3/5: Though not stated outright, this is a fantasy version of ancient Persia – culture, folklore, customs and all. Because it’s not stated outright, some might cry “cultural appropriation”. This is, of course, cleared up in the author’s note. Until two-thirds into the book, the only indication that Soraya might be bi is a throw-away comment she made as a child that she wished she could marry her best friend – but as she was so lonely, especially emotionally, this could only have been a yearning
