Artificial Limbs: At the climax of the conflict, a cybernetic leg is made for Ayla after her leg was shattered. Older Than They Look: Automae age much slower than humans, and have a commiserate longer lifespan. However, since Automae were only first created 65 years ago, none of them have yet reached advanced age. This manifests mainly as people in their middle-age looking in their prime. Make an Example of Them: It is standard policy for the Automae to publicly hang the clothing of humans they have executed to discourage others. The story opens with Luna's white dress on display, and later Nessa's shoes replace it. Flowers!” she called out, trying to keep her voice light. It was almost sunset, almost time to give up for the day, but there were still far too many unsold garlands in her basket. “We’ve got seaflowers, apple blossoms, the prettiest salt lavender up and down the coast!” Hesod hedged. “Their views on humankind are too extreme for my taste. It is one thing to subjugate those who are inferior and another thing entirely to behave as if they don’t exist. We must build policy around the reality of where we came from. We were not created in a void, history-less. It is ignorant to think we cannot learn from humanity’s existing structures.”

Her family’s death had left her not a person but a ghost, a ruined shell, a carcass. The parts that had survived would be tainted forever.

Product details

Before Kinok had begun the Anti-Reliance Movement, about three years ago now, he’d been a Watcher of the Iron Heart. It was a sacred task, protecting the mine that made heartstone, and he was the first Watcher to ever leave his post. Which, of course, had caused much speculation among Automakind. That he’d been discharged, banished for some serious offense. But Kinok claimed it had been a simple difference of philosophy regarding the fate of their Kind, and no one had uncovered any reason more sinister than that.

Power Crystal: Scyre Kinok is searching for “tourmaline”, which he hopes to be able to use to power Automae indefinitely without the need for heartstone. Tourmaline does work, and a tourmaline heart can replace an Automa’s heart completely. Tin Man: The Automae are unusual in that they do not deny having emotions, but they claim that they experience them differently than humans do. Some of the text supports this, but other aspects seem to indicate that they simply don’t SHOW it. Famous Ancestor: Ayla is the descendant of Thomas Wren and “H”, the unknown woman who was the true creator of Automae.

Nina Varela

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising in the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging her family’s death...by killing the sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Ayla shouldn’t like Crier as much as she grows to—talk about enemistry: Ayla’s main goal in life since her family was killed has been to kill Crier in retaliation. On the flip side, Crier shouldn’t really be able to feel the sort of strong emotions toward Ayla that she does, given her “programming.” To paraphrase The Bard, the course of true love never does run smooth. Yes, but his philosophy is gaining traction among the Made, the protection and rule of which are my—and your—responsibility. We must convince him to join a family structure. To bridge the divide.” Maybe it’s just because I majored in Folklore and Mythology and I’m already fully sold on the idea of ritual as a fundamental human trait, but I found this passage quite moving and a great example of the kind of concepts the book is getting at. Crier is the “daughter” of the sovereign of the kingdom of Rabu, but she wasn’t actually born—she was Made, like most of the ruling class of the kingdom. Years prior, the Automae rose up against their human rulers and took over, and the humans have been chomping at the bit ever since. Especially Ayla, whose parents were killed by Crier’s father’s soldiers for seemingly no good reason. Ayla, who now has a job in the palace … and dreams of exacting vengeance.

Rowan is killed in a riot that Ayla witnesses, as Ayla sees Rowan as a mother figure and mentor this greatly affects her. After Ayla is cold and distant, and vows to Benjy that she’ll kill Crier to serve as a distraction while he gets Kinok’s safe. However, she is able to bring herself to do it. Benjy also isn’t successful in getting the safe, but both manage to escape along with some of the others that helped them. Ayla decides to flee to Queen Junn’s country where Storme is with Benjy who got injured during the escape. Since they are wanted for treason, as Herod the King believes Ayla has been writing in code to Junn not Crier. Not to mention setting the stable on fire, attempting to kill Crier, and stealing from Kinok (granted those three are true). Are you going to help me or not?” Ayla said now, prodding Benjy in the ribs. He yelped. “I’ve been yelling my head off for an hour; it’s your turn.”Here’s what was going through my head when I finished this book: wow woah wow woah wow woah wow woah wow!! In a good way. He looked down at her, squinting in the dying sun. “Take it from someone who’s done this a hundred times. The day is over. All anyone’s willing to buy right now is heartstone.” Cast Full of Gay: Very full. The two main characters are both either gay or bisexual. Almost all of the fairy tale stories told involve a same-sex couple. Several other characters are involved in queer romances. There are also two characters that are non-binary or genderfluid: Erren and Wender. Predictions because why not… I don’t know the ending but here’s what I’m guessing is going to happen: