Wow! This book is like one long trolley problem. I like the way it grapples with the utilitarian ethics of the greatest good for the greatest number, and the morality of deciding who gets to live and who must die; I also like the Minority Report-esque angle of “is it right to punish a person (or a people) for a sin they haven’t yet committed?”
I don’t know if I’d say I liked Kyr very much, although I did like her more by the end, but I think there’s also an interesting challenge in her unlikeability: people who have been radicalized deserve the chance at deradicalization whether or not they’re likable, and (tying back into the morality question) an individual’s likability isn’t, or shouldn’t be, the deciding factor in doing the right thing… Super complex and much to think about.
Also, all plot feelings aside, Emily Tesh’s prose is absolutely gorgeous and lush and the world she’s built here is incredible. An enjoyable read for me!
Rating: ★★★★☆ – The book was great and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this subject or genre, and I am likely to re-read it at least once.