This book mixed two of my favorite things: the Beast of Gevaudan and the religious persecution of girls and women. The story was phenomenal. I loved the tender relationships between the escaping characters, it was a great mix of found family and communal survival. I also really loved this interesting take on the origins of the beast and how that was tied into the strength of women, the depth of their love, and their willingness to sacrifice themselves. The exploration and development of the relationship between Josephine and Clara was so sweet, it felt so loving and pure that it could have taken any form but its final form felt so endearing and satisfying. I will absolutely be putting this on my list for Female Rage Recommendations.