Although I enjoyed [b:Star Eater|55077680|Star Eater|Kerstin Hall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599778721l/55077680._SY75_.jpg|74138070], it suffers from the same problem as [b:The Unspoken Name|45046552|The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates, #1)|A.K. Larkwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576631770l/45046552._SY75_.jpg|69749498]: sufficient similarity to the Locked Tomb series by [a:Tamsyn Muir|6876324|Tamsyn Muir|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1543423040p2/6876324.jpg] that I compared them unfavourably. Thus I liked many of the concepts, but did not find their execution as visceral as the unparalleled Locked Tomb experience. Some of the body horror was pretty creepy, although I think the cannibalistic elements could have felt more intense. Similarly, the first person narration was fine but not terribly distinctive. Elfreda the protagonist is nonetheless interesting and I like the way she solves problems by befriending and trusting others.

Comparisons aside, the worldbuilding in [b:Star Eater|55077680|Star Eater|Kerstin Hall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599778721l/55077680._SY75_.jpg|74138070] is original and appealing; I would gladly read a whole series exploring this world. From the first page I was eager to discover more details of the magic system, social stratification, geography, and gender politics. The magic is based on ritualised cannibalism, only usable by women, and deadly toxic to men. I was very curious about how it was discovered and the power structure established, but that is only touched upon. The writing is compelling and, once I was familiar with the world, I found events exciting. While I think the plot resolved itself a little too easily at the end, overall I had a very good time reading [b:Star Eater|55077680|Star Eater|Kerstin Hall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599778721l/55077680._SY75_.jpg|74138070]. There a lot of ingenious ideas and the protagonist is pleasingly down to earth. Also giant cats are the main means of transport, who could resist that? ( )

In a Nutshell: Weird but imaginative. Not my kind of book at all! Hence, don’t judge the book by this review.

Story Synopsis:

Elfreda Raughn is the youngest acolyte in a sisterhood of magical priestesses who have a dark secret to their magic. She wants to get out of this almost dictatorial group but there’s no choice. Until now, when a shadowy rebel group has approached her with an offer of escape. But in order to do so, she needs to become a spy and connect with the head honchos of the Sisterhood. What lies in Elfreda’s fate is what you will discover by reading the book.
The story comes to us in the first person narration of Elfreda.

Where the book worked for me:
( )

When you live on a floating island in the sky, and have magic to protect your city and your friends, what price could be too high? The one that Elfreda and her sisters pays is far too high, but what's the alternative besides falling? ( )

I really enjoyed this one. A lush, gruesome standalone fantasy, I stayed up too late reading several nights in a row. ( )

DNFed 60% in after the insipid, flat main character runs off to do something supremely stupid. Swiss-cheese worldbuilding that introduces major plot-important information only when convenient to drive the story. Relies on strict and off-putting gender binary roles. The side characters were fun. ( )