This is a unique blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, with a Holmes and Watson-style dynamic at the heart of the story. Din is an engraver, someone who has been altered to process and retain information with perfect recall. He's the new apprentice to a rather eccentric and infamous investigator, Ana. When an imperial officer is murdered by a tree exploding from his body, it will take all of their efforts to solve and survive.

The modifications and powers in this world are a blend of science and magic, and fascinating to read about. Din and Ana travel across cantons, realizing the crime is entrenched in political intricacies and grudges. All the while, the threat of titans breaching the sea wall looms, putting their entire world in jeopardy.

I love a good murder mystery, and this was an interesting twist on one. Ana's sharp tongue brought hilarious levity to tense scenarios, and Din learning to navigate the intricacies of high society and comply with Ana's investigative demands was charming. I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters or the world, though, and I wasn't able to make many predictions while reading since the reasons for the plots were universe-specific. Everything came together in a way that made sense in the end, but I felt less engaged than I otherwise might in a story where I could theorize. While the premise was really interesting, I don't think this story will stick with me. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.