What can I say about this book that I didn't go into at length in my review of the second book in the series? It introduced me to one of my favorite series and favorite authors ever. It introduced one of my favorite male love interests ever. It started a series that is unique and addictive, gutwrenching and heart healing. This is one of my favorite series ever.This book isn't as good as the rest simply because it introduces the world of Downside Ghosts, part of which I don't think is very believable. I love Downside and believe in everything involving that part of this world, but the aftermath of the event that triggered this new world order just doesn't fit with my religion and cultural studies education. I had to suspend my disbelief on that one. But once I did so, I was hooked like my arm to my body, which is a mixed metaphor, but if I can suspend my disbelief on part of the world building, you can do so about my poor comparisons. I hope.
But the characters are all there, the street talk, the innerurban (intraurban?) scenes, and the drug use. It is not gratuitous, it is an integral part of Chess's character. Nor does the book glorify said using; while there may not be any profound revelations here/yet, it is obvious that the abuse is interfering in her daily existence and putting her world and her life in danger. Kane does an excellent job of showing this without telling.
I was hesitant to start this series because of the comments here about the drug use (the glorifying of which upsets me greatly) but I am so glad I opened the book and started reading. I highly recommend this book.