Wang explores several themes throughout the novel, including:
The magic system is "hard" and intricate, using that mirror computer programming. Mages sustain everything from the city's protective barrier to its electricity and hot water. However, this prosperity is built on the systemic exploitation of those outside the walls. Major Themes
In this article, we explore the world, the magic system, and the heavy themes that make this book a "must-read" for fans of grimdark and character-driven fantasy. The Premise: The Cost of Perfection
, an industrial utopia protected by a magical barrier from a lethal force known as the Sciona Freynan