Iron flowers

The world-building made the stakes feel so real and intense, but I wondered if it was sometimes a bit too bleak. How did others connect with the setting?

The relationship between Grace and her sister felt powerful and nuanced. I'm curious if the author drew from personal experiences or wanted to showcase a specific kind of resilience.

The romance added a layer of hope amidst the darkness, but I wondered if it was planned from the start or developed organically as the story progressed.