@JustGrist @BlackAzizAnansi Totally agree that The Amulet is messy and has some nastiness. It felt like purging the worst of southern meanness and bigotry, but clearly had a lot of hurt and less consideration. Not a book I’d recommend easily! I also tried Cold Moon Over Babylon, and it made me so upset immediately that I shelved it for now. Just… focused on despair and cruelty. But I’m glad you liked Black Water! I’ll try it next. And I’ll take the rec for Cronister! 💜