I really enjoyed this one. I wasn’t sure at first, because the main character is so hard and bent on revenge, but she changes as she spends more time with the nahual in her ring. This is a very short novella, but an awful lot happens. A lot of plotting and blood and magic and self-discovery.f
In a way it’s a study of Yaxli and how she evolves after being overthrown from her position as head of the sorcerers guild — and more importantly, having the diamond that had belonged to her master taken from her.
I found myself completely immersed in Yaxli’s story, rooting for her despite her initial standoffishness and seeming cruelty, and she definitely grew on me as the story progressed. I loved her bond with the nahual and the reminders of their shared past as she rediscovered it.
If you love Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s works, definitely give this one a try.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an e-arc for review.
Whimsical Dragonette 