This was my first R. F. Kuang book and it shook me. Rin's story is painful and honest and it felt like I was right there with her through every moment. The way she changes, the things she survives, it all hit me hard. I was not prepared for how dark and real it would get. The scenes in Golyn Niis and everything that followed broke something in me. I understood her anger. I understood her choices. Even when they're morally wrong. This book is everything.