DNF at just over a third of the way in

I don't get it and it just isn't for me.

It also seems kinda creepy with the way sex, sex work, and the bodies of femmes are discussed, which along with twee fairytale fantasy for adults tone rather skeeved me out. I might be missing something, but I'm simply not seeing the clever subversion of fantasy tropes, rather in the attempt to be different and edgy the story seems to actually hit all the problematic fantasy staples, sometimes even harder than usual, from a slightly different, but ultimately no more progressive angle.

I really only stuck with it as long as I did because of all the passionate positive reviews and needing something lighter for downtime between more heavy reading.

Again, it could be me and your mileage may vary. ( )

wow this was great ( )

Waldo grows up in a world where monsters, the undead, and dark magic are a part of everyday life. He is forced to go on a journey to prove himself, and soon discovers that his beliefs don’t fit into the wider world.
Waldo may be the heir to a prestigious and ruthless evil wizarding family — but with his talent of healing and inherent kindness, he doesn’t quite fit the bill.