This book was so wonderful - there was engaging, full, world building, amazing characters with rich dialogue, and an exciting plot with fantastic battles. I loved getting to know the characters, and seeing the emotional depth they have that prevents them from falling into tropes. I appreciated the non-romantic love highlighted in this book - between siblings, characters, and family. Many scenes were written beautifully both inner dialogue and conversations. This book was also often hilarious, with fantastic banter and running jokes. I also appreciated the handling of disability, healing after disability, and getting used to a body with different capabilities. It was relatable and did not sugarcoat the grief that comes with losing parts of yourself. I am so glad to have found this book, and cannot wait for the next to come out! Thank you NetGalley, Seeley Lynde, and Netherwood Press for this E-ARC.

The character work in this book is top tier. I thoroughly enjoyed how complex our characters, their stories and their feelings were.

Also, if you love a phenomenal found family, then you will want to read this book. Seeley knows how to write a beautiful found family and it shines in Declivity.

This is one grand epic adventure with mystery, magic, sarcasm and unlearning biases. To say I loved it is an understatement.

You want an epic high fantasy? Look. No. Further. Underwater creatures, war, political tension, immersive world building, morally gray characters. Declivity has *everything*.

Dual POVs is one of my favorite things with fantasy books and I feel not enough people utilize this enough.

And found family? I'm here for it. It's not often a book ticks all of the boxes I love when it comes to fantasy. This is it.

I'm already looking forward to the next book, thank you for letting my read early!