8.0/10 ⭐#

4 September 2026 to 7 September 2026 (Took 4 days)#

I see what people mean by this book being the slowest out of the whole series. Although the author mentioned that it wasn’t strictly necessary to keep track of WHERE all the different train lines are in relation to each other, it does become a major plot point. I wish there was an image or map included at the end that actually showed what the Iron Tangle looks like after Katia realizes it’s true form, especially because it’s supposed to be a visual representation of the Syndicate.

This is my favorite book so far out of the series, I really liked the increase in focus on the interpersonal dynamics between Carl & Donut vs the other Crawlers. The story continues to show how cruel this “tv programming” is for both the crawlers and the NPCs who are powerless to disobey their orders.

I love Katia’s addition to the Royal Court of Princess Donut, she’s so sweet and keeps Carl honest about his own struggles with having to do messed up things to survive. I pretty much cheered when she overcame the control from Hekla’s party.

I am definitely in this fandom for good now, no doubt about it.

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