I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The worldbuilding was exquisite, the characters were super well crafted, and the writing had me hooked. Even when I wasn't sure what was going on (and there were several times), I rolled with it because I knew the payoff would be worth it, and it was. 

The politics were there but pretty light-handed, the book focuses more on what we see through our PoV characters and how their understanding of the world, which changes as they learn through the course of the plot. I adored Yat, for all her flaws, and loved how her anxiety was portrayed throughout the book. Her powers are not a magic cure for it, but she does gain tools to manage and use it, and it was a perspective I appreciated a lot. 

The ending was satisfying while also leaving a major AHHHHH moment for the last few pages that makes me want the next book RIGHT NOW. I can't wait to see the ripple effects of what happened in this book play out, and see more of all these characters.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for a queer, action-heavy, weird as hell bio-punk story that knows exactly how to draw you in and make you want more RIGHT NOW.

I loved the world of this book. I loved the nods to te ao Māori and other cultures. Yat starts of unsure of her place in the world and grows to be... well, a taniwha. The action was great, I could see this being an anime. The characters all had great personalities and the villans were a real threat. Can't wait to read the next one.

I loved the characters and their connections. I loved this world built with life itself, yet lacking fundamental connections to life and other. That was intriguing and well developed. The bin chicken insult- delightful. The characters and their relationships are well established. The world building is well done. 
Spoiler: The only thing I didn't get was

why Sibby was so mad at the main character for going back, as if the antagonist wouldn't have started releasing the spores and killing the city if she hadn't (cause he already was).

I was so excited to read this book when I found it on NetGalley (where I read a free advanced copy) based on the cover and blurbs alone. "Fiercely queer?" Yes, please. A city built from mushrooms and other organic structures? Tell me more.

Immediately I was drawn in by the action. This plot moves quickly, and much of it is not explained right away. I am typically a character-driven reader so I really had to pay attention to keep up. The language in this book is so absorbing - almost poetic - that I decided it didn't matter and I had to keep going. Unlike in the character-focused novels to which I am accustomed, I didn't find myself getting to know Yat and Sen as much as following them along as Things Happened. And boy, did a lot of Things Happen!

The world in which Hainak exists is totally different from our own, but unfortunately with all too familiar social and political issues. Though not the best read if you're looking for escapism, this book is perfect for anyone who fantasizes about kicking homophobic butt with plant magic.

This story requires one to bring one's imagination. I experience some amount of aphantasia, so I felt I was missing out on imagining the world as vividly as the author intended (this probably won't be the case for most other readers). The world is totally original and creatively constructed. The story was told lyrically, almost rhythmically, with a writing style that will require forgiveness from more readers more strict about grammar.

I don't want to say too much more about this book. I went in knowing nothing other than the jacket summary. I recommend this for readers who enjoy setting- or language-focused books, and for anyone who requires excellent LGBTQ+ characters in their stories.