5 reasons I would recommend to read this book!

1. The art Always have to start it with that when it is about a K O’Neill book. Their art is just gorgeous, amazing, pretty, and wonderful. It is always my #1 reason to try out their books. I also loved those gorgeous gorgeous illustrations to indicate a new part in the story. I want those on my walls as prints~
2. Gorgeous worldbuilding You will be amazed by the world created by K O’Neill. She has written another world, created another gorgeous place you just want to visit. We see seas, fields, small towns, read about far away places, and more.
3. How the story is mostly told through imagery/illustrations There are plenty of bits with text, but there are also tons of bits told just purely through imagery. We see characters go through their days, get shots of sceneries, see our characters wander as they bring about deliveries and discover the world, see food being made, see other things happening. I love it when a story can also be told through images alone. It is so powerful. It doesn’t always work, sometimes words are needed, but in this one, I wouldn’t even have minded if there had been no words.
4. The characters and their growth. In this one we mainly follow Rose (who wants to be Rowan) and their journey as a ranger. I wasn’t always a fan of her attitude because she thought she was so much better than everyone else, and sure, she did some amazing things, but that is no way to be hurtful or shame others when they don’t have that drive. For instance Leone who just wants to play the fiddle (and keeps a casual eye out for the sheep). But after the accident that has her grounded on the floor and in charge of deliveries you can see her grow. Discovering the plants around her, the sceneries in the place she is designated to do her training, discover new talents and new things to do.
And Leone who loves his music and is practicing hard, but we see that something is holding him back. He acts all lackadaisical and aloof but I could see there is more to him. And I was curious to see him grow. I loved how Rowan (as they wanted that name from that point) encouraged Leone to try out more. I loved seeing both of these characters grow. Not just individually but also get closer together. See them talk. Have fun. Travel.
5. So many emotions This book made me feel all the feels. First that I wanted to shake Rowan for how they acted. Then see that they were just dedicated and inexperienced. Seeing Leone and what he wanted and how he grew. To see Rowan grow, get more comfortable in their skin, find happiness, find belonging. And then so much more. In the end I was just crying tears.

And I could give you more reasons, but I have to keep it to 5. But be sure to check out this book. And all K O’Neills other books as well!