Tuskan Times Volume 12 Issue 2

TUSKAN TIMES VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE

CREATIVE

THE MEMORIES ALWAYS CATCH UP WITH YOU

POLITICS

CHINA’S SOFT POWER DEFICIENCY

TEA MIJATOVIC

5

MIYU LI

9

SCIENCE THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE VACCINE DOSE EQUITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN THE SHRINKING OF ARTIC SEA ICE THE RISE OF THE GROLAR BEAR DISCOVERY OF VENUS’ LOST EARTH-LIKE FEATURE

DIMITRI BONNEVILLE JULIUS GUTBROD AMELIA WINKLER LUISA ELDRIDGE OLIVIA DICK

13 16 19 21 23

MEDIA/CULTURE THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING IT'S A BED BUG WORLD, WE'RE JUST SLEEPING IN IT.

OPINION BOOK REVIEW: SIX OF CROWS

ADAM KARÁCSONYI TATJANA HELLAWELL

27 31

ALLEGRA DI FLORIO

5

ON THE COVERS Front cover (Ezra Pavoncelli ) This cover conveys the struggle civilians face as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It emphasises the importance of keeping communities and families safe in times of suffering, regardless of who they are or where they are from.

Back cover (Ezra Pavoncelli ) It's important to illustrate the beauty of nature and why it's crucial to maintain our ecosystems for the benefit of our lives and the lives of animals. This idea led me to create a watercolour painting of a polar bear in its natural habitat.

MEET THE TEAM

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the first issue of 2024! This issue is a bittersweet one for me, as it marks the end of my time as Editor-in-Chief. I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who has made my time at the Tuskan Times so special, not only in the past year but since I joined the paper three years ago.

I started attending meetings in 2020, as a quiet, shy student who loved to write but was too afraid to share her opinions with the world. Just taking part in the meetings, listening to my classmates and upperclassmen, and seeing how supportive of an environment the Tuskan Times was, helped bring me out of my shell. It was then that I first understood the joys of working hard on something and seeing it published for the community to read.

Being given the position of Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, and working alongside previous Editor Katherine Dick, Supervisor Ms. Van Forst, and Head of Layout Selina Marton, taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and collaboration. I would like to thank them for making that year memorable and meaningful for me.

Producing a successful student paper takes a village, and at the Tuskan Times, I found the most amazing one! I am so grateful for the talented group of writers, designers, editors and artists, who put in hard work to make the issues what they have been. It would have been impossible to do anything without you all.

Two other people who have been instrumental in the success of the Tuskan Times are the Head of Layout, Leela Menon, who has spent countless hours piecing together the issues, and our Supervisor, Ms. Hitchcock. You have truly taught me so much, not only about leadership and organisation but about myself. I am so grateful for your advice and ideas and thank you so much for your calming presence and commitment.

Finally, I want to thank my Assistant-Editors-in-Chief, Olivia Dick and Elena Sofia Uzielli.

Collaborating with you both has been such a joy and I cannot emphasise enough how much I appreciate both of you. I am so happy to leave the paper in your hands - I am certain you will take it to new heights as Co-Editors-in-Chief!

Soon, you will read a letter from Olivia and Elena Sofia, who will introduce the new AssistantEditor-in-Chief, Coco Ferrari Ross. I leave the paper certain of the successes the Tuskan Times will have, with you, alongside Leela and Ms. Hitchcock, as leaders!

Thanks for reading!

Devaki Menon Editor-in-Chief EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORS

LAYOUT

DEVAKI MENON

ELENA SOFIA UZIELLI DEVAKI MENON STAMATIOS BALTOS LEELA MENON OLIVIA DICK CRISTIAN ARGENTO TATJANA HELLAWELL AUDREY EAGLY

LEELA MENON ELIOT RICHARDS OLIVIA DICK ELENA SOFIA UZIELLI DEVAKI MENON EZRA PAVONCELLI TATJANA HELLAWELL ISABELLA MARCELLINI NICCOLÒ GIORGI

ASSISTANT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF OLIVIA DICK ELENA SOFIA UZIELLI HEAD OF LAYOUT LEELA MENON SUPERVISOR TESS HITCHCOCK

ART EZRA PAVONCELLI

CREATIVE WRITING

Check out some of our community's creative minds through their writing!

CREATIVE WRITING | THE MEMORIES ALWAYS CATCH UP WITH YOU

THE MEMORIES ALWAYS CATCH UP WITH YOU

By TEA MIJATOVIC '27 Sounds…smells… shapes…feelings… These make you remember something, something you can’t quite grasp but that makes your blood rush, with excitement and a little bit of desire. You miss what you're feeling, even when you aren’t quite aware of what it is.

My name is Marie-Claire. I'm from a small town in Connecticut called Burlington, and I am 16 years old. I miss being young and innocent and not having anything to worry about. Not caring about my grades, my body, or what others think about me. I miss living carelessly, with no doubts --- freely.

From time to time, I will smell something while walking outside or passing a restaurant. And it will be so familiar, like the smell of my grandmother's soup.

I suddenly get a flashback --- a memory --- of my grandma in the kitchen, with her pink apron, cutting the carrots. She looked at me and gestured in her direction. I ran over, a huge smile on my face, and the tip of my toes, grabbed onto the edge of the counter with my tiny hands, watching, mesmerized by her skill. She saw me struggling to see her cooking, so she pulled up a stool, grabbed me, and propped me facing the cutting board. I got a sudden rush of exhilaration and excitement to be a part of this. She stepped behind me, took the knife, and with the same hand, grabbed my own and started cutting. I was cutting; I felt so big and important; I felt as though I could do anything just from having the ability to withhold something so dangerous, with the help of my grandma, of course.

Time flew by. Just before boiling a pot of water, she took the chicken out of the fridge, where the rest of my favorite childhood snacks were stored. While we waited for the water to boil, she set out the assortment of pastas. There were so many, and it was such a hard decision. I felt so stressed. I had to make sure; not only I liked it, but everyone else did, as well, but I did not know if they would. This was the kind of situation I got worried about; such small problems seemed so overwhelming then. I asked for help, and together with my grandma, we picked out the “perfect” pasta.

She carefully placed the chicken into the boiling pot as I watched in suspense, unaware of what was to come, amused by the slightest bubbles gathering at the top of the pot. I just stood there, watching my grandma as she stirred and seasoned it. Everything around me felt like it had stopped.​​The silence of the house, the still walls, the leaves on the trees outside slightly rustling from the wind, the darkness of the night covering the light of the day --- everything was completely calm and silent, except for the faint bubbling of the water.

My grandma had let me pour the pasta in; she lifted me up as I held the bag of pasta, and I poured it in cautiously, making sure not to splash any of the water. The steam coated my face and hands with a blanket of warmth that sent chills down my body.

Once I was set down, my grandma started cutting the cooked chicken, giving me a little piece to have. I quickly stuffed it in my mouth, not paying attention to the overwhelming heat of it. The pain had shot through my tongue and even after I spit it out, crying, I had a burnt, tasteless feeling in my mouth.

My face was in my hands, as tears streamed down my eyes, when I felt welcoming arms surround me and pick me up, telling me I would be okay and that I was understood, but that the pain was temporary.

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THE MEMORIES ALWAYS CATCH UP WITH YOU | CREATIVE WRITING

My grandma was right; the pain hadn’t lasted long, but I didn’t know that then. How could I have? I sniffled away my tears and stood by my grandma, ready to face any other challenges, feeling stronger.

When the soup was done, she poured the chicken back into the broth along with the carrots and the pasta, allowing it all to soak and marinate, producing a mouthwatering aroma that engulfed the house.

She asked me to grab the bowls, so I did. I handed her each one, which she then took and, with a ladle, poured the soup, filled it to the edges, and handed it to me. As I walked from the kitchen to the dining room table, I carefully watched the liquid, making sure none of it spilled out, as my mouth began to water from the steamy smell of it.

I brought it to where my brothers were sitting; just seeing their faces when I placed it in front of them made me fill with joy and satisfaction. The feeling of doing a good deed for others can never be competed with. I realized that then, and it is something that I will believe in forever.

The last two plates were placed in my hands at the same time. She told me that although I'm small, that I am mighty and to never let anyone tell me differently, to always voice my opinion and my thoughts.

I had completed this task on a mission to make my grandmother proud.

When everyone sat down, together, at the table, I looked around and was thankful for my family, my house, the food in front of me, the clean water, and for the opportunity to be and feel loved by everyone who surrounds me.

I have learned to enjoy the little things, the little moments, because time flies, and you don’t realize it, until you do, and then it’s too late.

What can I say? That's what growing up is, realizing that you miss the past but that you will only be able to relive it in your memories.

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POLITICS

POLITICS | CHINA’S LACK OF SOFT POWER

CHINA’S SOFT POWER DEFICIENCY AND ITS IMPACT ON ITS IMAGE TO THE WEST

By Miyu Li '25 In recent years, the influence of East Asian countries has been surfacing in the West through the form of soft power. Namely, Korea has won the western heart with its incredibly successful Korean pop music industry, alongside with its record breaking series, and Japan, with its production of anime and manga, widely consumed across the West. China on the other hand, happens to be a victim of jokes about its government and of generally negative reactions that spur the Western mind. Simply said, this phenomenon happens due to the absence of successful soft power in Chinese production and diffusion in the West.

To grasp the concept better, it is necessary to understand what soft power is: it is a term first coined in the late 1980s by Joseph Nye, and it refers to the influence of outside countries through the appeal of the media instead of actual military and economic power. The concept mainly revolves around manipulation through cultural allure for the general public to favor a country simply because of the media they are able to manufacture. That is exportable on a bigger scale, as many western countries are swayed by favorable impressions and therefore tend to make durable political alliances with countries that have great soft power.

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China’s power overseas mainly relies on the economic power that it yields, with a market of 1.4 billion people, meaning that western media has an image of China based on its economic might which acts as a wall that blocks the western eye from seeing its culture. However, by no means, does China not value soft power, on the contrary, they have been investing approximately 10 billion american dollars yearly since 2007. With that much being at stake for the success of Chinese soft power, one could ask themselves where the funds go and why it is not really visible to the western eye. The major reasons why most of the efforts conceived end up failing is due to China’s rigid political ideologies, of which censorship undermines the potential media that can be produced. Thus, China doesn’t realize the potential that they hold to manufacture products that could appeal to the western mind because everything undergoes a long phase of censorship that discards of anything seen as detrimental by the Government and replaces them with other elements that fit into their standards, which may not struck the chord of the western’s taste.

Essentially, if the appealing aspect of a story is taken out, it makes it less effective than the original product. Thus, the West doesn’t take much into consideration about China when talking about East Asia, as it is overshadowed, in terms of entertainment and pop culture, by its neighbors Japan and Korea.

“China’s rigid political ideologies, of which censorship undermines the potential media that can be produced.”

CHINA’S LACK OF SOFT POWER | POLITICS

The latter leads to the phenomenon of rebranding Chinese products as either Japanese or Korean. As the West doesn’t recognize China as an exporter of goods that can be appealing to their people, they discredit them for the few products that do successfully enter the global market. China is often seen as a country defined by its Governments, which makes the general public turn against China as a whole, spreading sinophobia and insensitive jokes that are normalized in society because the country “deserves” it. On the other hand, Japan and Korea, as mentioned before, are seen as allies to the west and therefore receive a much better treatment, making them a “cool” country that is generally liked. As a consequence, the western mind is unable to bear the information that China can export goods that are of their liking and thus discredit its nationality and instead attributes it to its neighbors.

“The western mind is unable to bear the information that China can export goods that are of their liking and thus discredit its nationality and instead attributes it to its neighbors.”

That is a phenomenon that, in recent years, has been internalized by Chinese companies themselves, almost as if it were a marketing tactic.

Major examples are the brand of Miniso, which sells amenities, miscellenary, and the game Genshin Impact. The latter has seen major milestones across the years since its release and that is probably due to its name: the original Chinese name is made of characters that are able to be pronounced in Japanese as well and thus, the developers decided to use it as its official western name, to appeal as a Japanese game.

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Other pieces of its modern culture, exported via internet and social media, however, are not intentionally rebranded. Notorious examples of that are “Douyin” makeup, originated from the Chinese social media app Douyin, hence the name, and Chinese street fashion. In fact, it is easy for someone scrolling on major apps like TikTok to find the tag “Korean make up” under a video of a Chinese girl doing her makeup. The lack of credit attributed to Chinese people negatively impacts the impression that they give to the west, as the “cool” products they produce are not considered of Chinese origin but are instead attributed to countries that already have a good relationship with the west.

All in all, China’s severe deficiency of soft power negatively impacts the impression on the west, as they are not able to win the common people’s hearts, which instead have a negative image of China, as they have the idea that the Government fully represents the population and the culture. Be it food, art or trends, China shows the ability to have some sort of soft power, however yet has to advocate for its authenticity and origin, which is attributed to its East Asian neighbors, making the latter’s power increase even more.

SCIENCE In this section, our readers explore topics relating to politics around the world.

SCIENCE | IMPLICATIONS OF AI FOR HUMANITY

IS THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOING TO DESTROY OR SAVE HUMANITY?

By Dimitri Bonneville '25 When you think of the future of Artificial Intelligence, do you think of a bionic robot aiming to destroy the world, or of an incredible tool that will help society resolve issues that have challenged humanity for millennia? Regardless, these extreme scenarios display a spectrum that exhibits an endless range of possibilities that the future has in store for us. On one hand, the pessimists are certain that this technology will cause mass unemployment and indistinguishable misinformation. However, optimists believe in the philosophy that everybody will benefit from integrating AI into their daily lives, similar to how “dogs are man's best friend”, with uses in education, medicine, business, finance, and so much more. Most experts agree on the fact that AI is going to be a significant part of the next century, concluding that society has two choices: we could get crushed, or we could ride the wave.

“Most experts agree on the fact that AI is going to be a significant part of the next century, concluding that society has two choices: we could get crushed, or we could ride the wave.”

To begin with, there is no doubt that AI has caused many people to express their concern about it, including Elon Musk, who has stated multiple times that this technology is “the greatest threat to humanity”.

Firstly, politicians and journalists have discussed how AI will either reduce or completely eliminate the need for work, leading to staggering unemployment. Despite the fact that Elon Musk is one of the cofounders of OpenAI, he is by far the most well-known public figure who believes in an extreme reality that renders all humans obsolete for progress in society.

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He claims that “computers, intelligent machines, and robots seem like the workforce of the future.”

With all of that said, what evidence does he and others have to support their argument? There have been many reports that deduce that AI will probably cause tens of millions of people to lose their jobs and hundreds of millions to forcefully retrain; most notably, according to research by IBM, this includes 120 million people falling into the category of unemployment in the next three years.

Furthermore, a report by McKinsey estimates that 800 million people worldwide could be replaced by robots or automated processes by 2030, particularly in manufacturing operations, warehouse workers, and fast food staff.

Secondly, the world is also concerned about AI facilitating the spread of misinformation. I saw this firsthand at Bocconi University in Milan this summer, when a professor of the “Machine Learning and AI” course conducted an experiment in the classroom with ChatGPT. In summary, he told the class to ask the ChatBot who are the leading young researchers in Italy for Artificial Intelligence, and to paste the result onto a document. Using the professor's knowledge in the field, he was able to tell us if the machine was telling us factual information; hence, we were able to conclude what patterns lead to poor or wrong responses.

On the other hand, almost every existing field and area of knowledge that humanity has studied could benefit from Artificial Intelligence.

IMPLICATIONS OF AI FOR HUMANITY| SCIENCE

A famous individual who is incredibly passionate about these discoveries is Eric Shmidt, the former CEO of Google and co-author of The Age of AI: And Our Human Future. When asked about the most fascinating discovery that AI has produced, he answered by mentioning a project by MIT biologists and computer scientists where they were able to cycle through 100 million various compounds in order to find a new compound for antibiotic use. This study found a new drug, called halicin, that became one of the most significant breakthroughs in antibiotic research in 40 years.

Moreover, despite the necessary regulation and restriction of AI in the academic world, this tool could be an incredible opportunity for students to be able to learn more than ever before. As many of you probably know, the IB has released thorough and concrete guidelines this year about mitigating academic dishonesty with a heavy focus on AI However, as software is developed, ChatGPT could be used for tutoring instead of cheating, an idea that has been strongly developed by Sal Khan and KhanAcademy, one of the world’s most renowned free educational platforms.

“ChatGPT could be used for tutoring instead of cheating” For example, Sal suggests that if AI could ask Socratic questions, understand a student’s thought process, and co-pilot a creative solution, we could use this tool to boost human intelligence and purpose. Lastly, AI has applications that could make it everybody’s companion in day-to-day life, despite all of the details that nuance every profession and specialty.

Dr. Andrew Ng, a notable computer scientist and professor at Stanford University, made an incredible comparison between knowing how to use AI and knowing how to read.

To summarize, he stated that a few hundred years ago, only the high nobility and clergy knew how to read and write; however, we have since learned that we can build a much richer society if everyone is able to do so and apply the knowledge provided by books to their own lives.

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Today, AI engineers who work for multi-billiondollar tech companies are analogous to the clergy of the middle ages, being the few who thoroughly understand AI. Nevertheless, if all people could apply AI to their own lives without needing a doctorate, the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence are endless. The same way we often refer to Google when we have a problem, AI could facilitate solving these issues on another level. For example, if a pizzeria owner observes that he is missing out on potential customers by having run out of some specific pizzas, he could input data into an AI program to determine on what days of the week and at what time he should anticipate this problem and make more pizzas than usual. All of this depicts examples where the potential of this tool could uncover its full potential. By being able to develop medicine hundreds of times faster, teaching in a more thorough and engaging way, or integrating real-life applications, AI could be the next revolutionary breakthrough.

In conclusion, as Stephen Hawking once said, AI will be “either the best or worst thing” for humanity. The number of combinations of chains of events that could happen in the next 10, 50, or 100 years is infinite. However, there are two things that most experts, scientists, and politicians say about AI: that there must be a way to regulate its usage and that we must be incredibly well educated. Furthermore, one change must not come without the other, because knowledge is the foundation of the regulations that governments, schools, or workplaces implement for their communities. On a grander scale, if everyone in society is able to contribute to understanding AI, even if it’s by simply using it, we can strive for well-intentioned people to outweigh the corrupt and greedy, therefore avoiding a catastrophe that could destroy the world.

SCIENCE & TECH | VACCINE EQUITY

CLOSING THE GAP: TAILORING VACCINE DOSE EQUITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN

By Julius Gutbrod '25 A problem which has not been mentioned enough in contemporary times is the gender-specific vaccine dose disparity. It is an issue which has existed for a long time, but has been and is barely addressed.

Historically, not only have clinical trials and medical research been tailored towards male physiology, both in terms of the subjects studied and resulting medical guidelines, but doses of medicines, especially vaccines, have been set the standard for the male anatomy. This has led to a proclivity for dosages that cater predominantly to male body composition, sometimes to the detriment of women's health outcomes. The scientific rationale behind dosing disparities is not always clear-cut. Biological differences between genders, such as body composition, hormonal levels, and immune system responses can influence how vaccines are metabolised and how effective they are. For instance, women generally have a stronger immune response to vaccines, which suggests that they might require lower doses for the same level of efficacy. However, the lack of comprehensive research into genderspecific responses to vaccines means that dosing recommendations often do not reflect these differences. Unequal dosing can have significant consequences for the efficacy and safety of vaccines. If women are given doses designed for the average male, they may experience more intense side effects or adverse reactions. Conversely, if men are given doses optimised for female physiology, they may not receive sufficient immune protection. The implications of underdosing or overdosing can range from individual discomfort to public health risks if large populations are inadequately protected from infectious diseases. Healthcare policies and vaccination protocols have historically been based on data that does not always account for gender differences. The role of clinical trials is crucial in establishing dosage guidelines, but if these trials do not include a representative sample of both men and women, the resulting guidelines may be biassed.

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Moreover, the lack of gender-specific analysis in the data collected can perpetuate the disparity.

“This has led to a proclivity for dosages that cater predominantly to male body composition, sometimes to the detriment of women's health outcomes.”

The ethical considerations of unbalanced vaccine dosing practices are significant. They raise questions about the fairness and justice of medical research and healthcare delivery. Health equity concerns are particularly pressing because they relate to the fundamental right of every individual to receive appropriate medical care.

Gender disparities in vaccine dosing can undermine this right and exacerbate existing health inequalities. A review of demographic studies and clinical trials often reveals discrepancies in vaccine dose allocation between genders. For example, side effects and adverse reactions may be more commonly reported by women, which could indicate a mismatch in vaccine dosing. Nonetheless, without a deliberate focus on gender differences in the data, these discrepancies may be overlooked or misinterpreted.

VACCINE EQUITY | SCIENCE

Countries and regions vary widely in how they address gender disparities in vaccine dosing. Some may have policies that are more inclusive of gender considerations, while others may not have the resources or infrastructure to implement such measures. The global perspective on vaccine equity is essential since infectious diseases do not respect national borders, and the health of millions worldwide can be affected by disparities in any region. Vaccine equity remains a significant challenge in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with inequality in vaccination coverage having serious implications for society. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Ahmed Ali et al. (2022) highlights the geographic, demographic, and sociodemographic characteristics that contribute to these imbalances, which are crucial for optimising and creating new vaccination policies. The study by Ahmed Ali et al. (2022) identified a clear finding: disparities in wealth, education, and geographical accessibility influence the effectiveness of vaccines and rates of vaccination discontinuation.

This nuanced picture of inequality emphasises the need for targeted vaccination strategies to improve coverage, especially in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The review included 108 studies and revealed that individuals in rural areas did not significantly differ in full vaccination status compared to urban areas, although considerable heterogeneity existed between countries. Notably, females were found to be 3% less likely to be fully vaccinated than males, and children whose mothers had no formal education were 28% less likely to be fully vaccinated than those whose mothers had primary-level education. Moreover, individuals in the poorest wealth quintile were 27% less likely to be fully vaccinated than those in the richest (Ahmed Ali et al., 2022). The study underscores the complex landscape of vaccine inequity, with wealth disparity being a dominant and likely driving factor behind other injustices. The authors call for vaccination strategies that target missed subgroups to improve and recover vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic (Ahmed Ali et al., 2022).

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“Disparities in wealth, education, and geographical accessibility influence the effectiveness of vaccines and rates of vaccination discontinuation.”

Vaccine hesitancy in LMICs is another critical issue that impedes the achievement of vaccine equity. The study by Wagner et al. (2022) provides insights into the determinants of vaccine hesitancy, which include concerns about vaccine safety, mistrust in the healthcare system, and the influence of religious and philosophical beliefs. The authors state that "vaccine hesitancy is complex and context-specific, varying across time, place, and vaccines". They further elaborate that vaccine hesitancy can be influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience, and confidence, which are known as the '3Cs' model of vaccine hesitancy emphasise the importance of understanding the local context to address vaccine hesitancy effectively. They argue that interventions should be tailored to the specific concerns and circumstances of the target population. The study also highlights the role of communication in mitigating hesitancy, suggesting that "transparent communication about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases is essential".

SCIENCE | VACCINE EQUITY

Therefore, addressing vaccine equity and hesitancy in LMICs requires an adroit approach that considers the complex interplay of socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural factors.

It is imperative to design and implement targeted interventions that address the specific barriers to vaccination in these contexts.

Recommendations for Change To tackle these disparities it is crucial for healthcare policymakers, vaccine developers and public health officials to consider a variety of recommendations;

1. Design clinical trials with gender balance in mind. Thoroughly analyse the data for gender responses.

2. Develop dosing guidelines that account for differences between genders.

3. Educate

healthcare

providers

about

the

significance of gender variations in vaccine responses.

4. Continuously monitor vaccine efficacy and safety

in

real-world

settings,

adjusting

recommendations accordingly.

5. Promote collaboration to share data and best practices regarding gender-equitable vaccine dosing.

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ARCTIC SEA ICE | SCIENCE

ARCTIC SEA ICE AT ONE OF THE LOWEST LEVELS EVER RECORDED

By Amelia Winkler '25

“Sea ice has been shrinking at a rapid pace since the 1970” Sea ice cover in the Arctic has undergone a dramatic decline in recent decades. In fact, this summer it has shrunk to the one of the smallest extents on record. Sea ice has been shrinking at a rapid pace since the 1970s, and satellite images show this year's rapid summer ice melt has reduced the ice to around half the area it occupied 40 years ago, more specifically about 4.23 million square kilometres. That’s roughly 1.99 million square kilometres below the 1981–2010 average minimum of 6.22 million square kilometres. This can be taken as a sign of the long term effects of global warming caused by humans, as we are forced to face the fact that this sea ice may not be present forever.

“Loss of arctic ice will eventually lead to increased global warming and therefore more extreme weather, as well as affecting wildlife.”

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Why is this bad? Why do we need arctic sea ice?

How will its vanishing affect us and wildlife?

Scientists have predicted, based on trends, that the Arctic ocean could be free of ice by 2050, resulting in major consequences for the natural world, wildlife, and humans. Loss of arctic ice will eventually lead to increased global warming and therefore more extreme weather, as well as affecting wildlife.

The ice found in the arctic is crucial for global temperatures, coastal communities, wildlife and the storage of harmful greenhouse gases. Ice and snow reflect heat back into space because of their light colour, balancing out the heat absorption on the planet, therefore, less ice essentially leads to more intense heat waves worldwide, hence impacting the whole planet. This phenomenon is known as Arctic amplification.

The environment of the arctic should be considered, since wildlife and once pristine ecosystems will suffer greatly. Many animals depend on this sea ice for survival, including the well-known polar bear, but also lesser talked about walrus, seals, arctic foxes and reindeer. As they are affected, so are the species that depend on them, causing a dramatic chain of events. In fact, according to ABC News, as their habitats become more fragmented and their populations dwindle, polar bears have been inbreeding, which could lead to disastrous effects on the polar bears' survival. Reductions in sea ice will inevitably shrink animal habitats, most likely pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

SCIENCE | ARCTIC SEA ICE

“Reductions in sea ice will inevitably shrink animal habitats, most likely pushing many species to the brink of extinction. ” Another hugely important organism found in marine habitats is a marine plant known as phytoplankton. The foundation of the marine food chain is built on phytoplankton. Like plants on land, they too perform photosynthesis, and cold polar water is the perfect breeding ground for them. This puts phytoplankton under threat, and consequently a huge number of organisms in the marine ecosystem that depend upon this plant.

What's more, arctic ice and permafrost store large amounts of methane (a gas that contributes to climate change; a greenhouse gas) When the ice melts, the methane it stores is released into the environment, heating it further. This, in turn, causes more ice to melt and the cycle continues.

“Global warming and the melting of this ice does not just affect certain groups of people, but it affects the planet as a whole.”

What do we need to do to decrease this melting?

What is being done?

Our best hope to decrease the melting of Arctic sea ice is to cut methane emissions as well as reducing carbon dioxide use. Oil and gas usage is one of the leading causes for these methane emissions. Global warming and the melting of this ice does not just affect certain groups of people, but it affects the planet as a whole. This is important to think about. We should consider our actions and the possibility that, according to predictions, the arctic may be entirely ice free by 2050.

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THE RISE OF THE GROLAR BEAR | SCIENCE

THE RISE OF THE GROLAR BEAR

By Luisa Eldridge '26 It is no new information to anyone that the arctic ice caps are melting, destroying habitats worldwide, and increasing global temperatures as well as sea levels. What is not well known by the general population, is that it is also causing the creation of new species.

The diminishing ice caps have forced the polar bears into a smaller southern area, which coincides with the habitat of grizzly bears. It’s widely known that these species are abnormally well suited to reproduce, and their cubs are then able to reproduce, which is a rarity in most hybrid species.

The first recorded sighting of the polar beargrizzly hybrid was in 2006, when it was shot by a Canadian hunter. Subsequent DNA tests then confirmed that it was indeed a hybrid. Though there have been only 8 confirmed first generation cases and 4 second generation cases, there are suspected to be more. This new species has been spotted many times by the Inuit native population that live in Canada's far north, and have also been observed by scientists on official arctic missions to check on the polar bear populations.

There has been much debate over what to name this new hybrid, and there are currently many options, ‘Grolars’ and ‘Pizzly’ bears being the front runners.

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Although technically the name would be decided by the sire species, – if the male had been a grizzly bear it would be a grolar and vice versa for polar bear males – the names are mostly used interchangeably, depending on the preference of the individual. These names are not universally popular, with some Canadian officials proposing that the name of the hybrid should be “nanulak,” a combination of the Inuit names for polar bear (‘nanuk’) and grizzly bear (‘aklak’).

“ These names are not universally popular, with some Canadian officials proposing that the name of the hybrid should be “nanulak,” a combination of the Inuit names for polar bear (‘nanuk’) and grizzly bear (‘aklak’).”

Grolar/Pizzly bears have a distinct set of features, equally inherited from both sides of their ancestry.

These bears are known to have white fur with brown spots, as well as the humped back and long claws characteristic of a grizzly bear. They are generally larger than grizzly bears, but smaller than polar bears of the same gender.

There are many conflicting views in the scientific community about the value of these hybrids. Many hope that because they possess modified skulls and teeth similar to grizzly bears, they could adopt the grizzly bear’s more indiscriminate feeding habits. This would contrast with the very selective diet of polar bears which is contributing to their endangerment.

SCIENCE | THE RISE OF THE GROLAR BEAR

Hybridization of these species is also a cause for concern about the future health of the polar bear population. The grolar/pizzly bears also lose some of the abilities of their parents. For example, pizzlies are not as adept at swimming as their polar bear parent, possibly forcing the hybrids into grizzly territory. The main fears with this outcome would be that the number of polar bears will dwindle, and that hybridization of these species will become the first step towards the complete extinction of pure bred polars bears, because they will one day be annexed into the general grizzly population.

“the hybridization of these species will become the first step towards the complete extinction of pure bred polars bears” If nothing is done to conserve the species against this very real possibility, then polar bears may face extinction over the next century, adding them to the ranks of victims driven to extinction by global warming.

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DISCOVERY OF VENUS’ LOST EARTHLIKE FEATURES | SCIENCE

WHAT THE DISCOVERY OF VENUS’ LOST EARTHLIKE FEATURE MEANS FOR THE PLANET

By Olivia Dick '25 Exuberant, vivacious, and teeming with life, Earth has been vitally active for close to 3.7 billion years.

Venus, its neighbor - and sometimes known as our planet’s twin - is hotter, atmospherically thicker, and happens to rotate backwards. At surface level, the planets seem to share almost nothing in common, but digging deeper, it's clear that they do. Both planets belong to the group known as ‘terrestrial planets’ (the first four planets closest to the sun). They are also close in size, mass, and composition. But recently, it has been discovered that “in its youth” Venus possessed a characteristically “Earth-like trait: plate tectonics.”

Plate tectonics is the theory that under the Earth’s crust, large sections move slowly, forming mountains, causing earthquakes, and rearranging the positions of the Earth’s continents. This knowledge, that Venus at one point underwent geochemical reactions, leads to the theory that the movement may have buried the majority of the carbon dioxide that makes Venus so inhospitable today. It’s also believed that Venus would have been cooler and liquid water would have been present. This, in turn, allows scientists to believe that on Venus – a few billion years ago – life could have flourished.

“Plate tectonics is the theory that under the Earth’s crust, large sections move slowly, forming mountains, causing earthquakes, and rearranging the positions of the Earth’s continents

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Dr. Matthew B. Weller, a planetary scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, with a team of colleagues from both Purdue University and Brown University, happened upon this impressive discovery in a rather unorthodox way.

Instead of observing fractures and glaringly obvious visual signs from the planet, they investigated Venus’ air, with an emphasis on nitrogen. In the formation of rocky planets such as Earth and Venus, nitrogen tends to become trapped in minerals.

However, at high temperatures, like during volcanic eruptions or due to volcanic activity, the minerals melt, releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere, where it’ll remain for long periods of time. In this investigation, nitrogen played an important role as a “kind of diagnostic tool,” in understanding Venus’ tectonic history.

With this foundation, the team proceeded by creating two computer simulations that delve into the categories of tectonic activity. The first is a ‘stagnant lid’, in which the crust of a terrestrial body doesn’t move, and as a result gasses remain trapped beneath the surface. An example of this is the Earth’s Moon. The other model was that of plate tectonics, (as described previously) where pieces beneath the Earth’s crust move gradually, changing geography. This movement of plates allows for gas to be released into the atmosphere, contrary to the ‘stagnant lid’ model.

SCIENCE | DISCOVERY OF VENUS’ LOST EARTHLIKE FEATURES

While today Venus has a stagnant lid, the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere is much more than it would be if Venus’ tectonic activity had always been that of a stagnant lid. This knowledge leads to the suggestion that Venus, at an early phase of its life, had plate tectonics that released gasses like nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Later, the planet’s crust must have locked up and fused to become the stagnant lid it is today.

“This knowledge leads to the suggestion that Venus, at an early phase of its life, had plate tectonics that released gasses like nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”

Various planetary and earth scientists from around the world agree that this idea is only a hypothesis and not conclusive. Joseph O’Rourke, a professor of earth and space at Arizona State University believes in the possibility that Venus, “is its own thing that is intermediate between Earth and Mars.” An alternative explanation that supports O’Rourke’s comment is the plutonic squishy lid model. In this model, magma oozes between the outer crust but doesn’t break it apart into pieces, like with tectonic plates. The problem with this theory, though, is that it doesn’t explain the large amounts of nitrogen that would be released into the atmosphere.

While these models aren’t set in stone, a series of spacecraft journeys to Venus should provide valuable information in the coming years. In 2029, NASA plans to launch their DAVINCI spacecraft to collect accurate data of the planet’s atmosphere using a parachuting probe. VERITAS, another NASA spacecraft is expected to launch around 2031. It will be responsible for taking highresolution images of Venus’ surface and acquiring data about the planet’s gravity, which should “help us look for potential plate boundaries.” (Anna Gülcher at the California Institute of Technology and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Finally, The European Space Agency is expecting to launch EnVision, a robotic mission, no earlier than 2031, in order to understand the divergence between Earth and Venus’ conditions.

“Finally, The European Space Agency is expecting to launch EnVision, a robotic mission, no earlier than 2031, in order to understand the divergence between Earth and Venus’ conditions.

While spacecraft haven’t returned to Venus since 1990, this new hypothesis regarding the planet’s geographic history and its similarities with Earth leave open ends. Are the two planets much more similar than we ever believed? How did they diverge? And was life present at some point in Venus’ history? Hopefully, in the coming years these questions will be answered.

“Are the two planets much more similar than we ever believed?”

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MEDIA & CULTURE

!Our writers provide new takes on anything cultural!

Our writers provide new takes on anything cultural.

CULTURE | THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING

PERCEIVED VS. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE: THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING By Ádám Karácsonyi '25 Most people, when asked what car they desire, will often say a certain model of Ferrari rather than other manufacturers such as Porsche. Despite the greater desire for the Italian supercar manufacturer, a Porsche will outperform a Ferrari on a racetrack given equal conditions. A model to model comparison can be made with the Porsche GT2 RS, costing around 80,000 euros, and putting out 700 hp, while the Ferrari 488 Pista, a similarly performing car, putting out 661 hp, can be obtained for the considerably higher price of 300,000 euros. Despite the comparison being rather primitive, the point can be made that even if the Porsche performs better and is a better deal overall, the majority of people would still rather choose the Ferrari. This instigates the question of: Why do people pay for a product which is worse, and more expensive than its competitors. Does the answer lie in value?

“Despite the comparison being rather primitive, the point can be made that even if the Porsche performs better and is a better deal overall, the majority of people would still rather choose the Ferrari.”

Value, by the definition of Oxford Languages, is “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.”

Although an object can be judged by value based on the qualities it possesses, this is a very limited perspective.

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From a consumer’s perspective, an item, such as a book for example, gains value through factors such as utility, scarcity, authenticity, and emotional appeal. From these conditions, a market value is determined, which is essentially what people are willing to pay for the item in question.

The higher a person rates an item on the listed factors, the more likely it is that they offer a larger sum of the currency used for payment.

However, for the products which are sold directly by the manufacturer’s, and not through retailers or other secondary/tertiary sellers, the price or value has to be set by the producer. The price is surprisingly not very depended on by the cost of production, which is determined by a multitude of factors, such as whether all parts were made in house (all components are made by the same manufacturer), how much of their materials are outsourced, etc… Moreover, the price has to increase for paying any prior research and development (R processes, marketing, packaging, and importantly logistics. From this point on, companies use pricing methods as a means to raise the chances of selling the service being offered.

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING | CULTURE

Physiological pricing is the process used by companies to increase the chances of a customer making a purchase for their company through the manipulation of prices. Many techniques such as time constraints, where companies use phrases like, “50% off until September 15th”, or innumeracy, the process in which companies manipulate language in a manner that the customer cannot calculate. An example of this can be found in shops that sell socks with a 4+1 deal, essentially buy four get one free, as it is more appealing than to put the statement 20% off on all products. If the customer calculates it, they would find that both deals are equal, but the 4+1 deal sounds more like a bargain due to the false perception of receiving an extra product for free.

Most importantly, charm prices, the typical scenario being; a company changing the price to make the product seem like a better bargain, most famously by changing whole number prices by marking it down a penny: Instead of 2.00, 1.99 becomes more appealing as the first number is what people process most often. However, one of the most important applications of charm prices are changing the value of the price without any alteration to the product itself. Manufacturers create the myth of economic, premium, and every other quality in between, by raising or lowering prices. A higher price creates the myth of reliability, and luxury, while a bare minimum price targets people on a budget.

“A higher price creates the myth of reliability, and luxury, while a bare minimum price targets people on a budget.”

In addition, the company will want to earn profit to be able to further grow, which is where markups are used to inflate the product’s hypothetical value, increasing profit per product sold. Many luxury brands such as Laco, a German watchmaker, often exploit this by using Japanese watch movements to keep production cost low and remove the need for R&D, while being able to still charge a constant amount of money.

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Laco is able to do this as they are a reputable company, most known for their pilot watches, and for their trustworthiness and reliability as a brand.

The concept of a brand is separate from a company, the brand playing the role of the spokesperson representing the product being sold by the company. A company sets up a brand to establish a specific target consumer by allocating beliefs and characteristics about the product/brand being sold. Brands are generally divided into 2 types of companies, those which manufacture in greater or smaller product numbers. Mass producing companies often associate themselves or create brands with reliability, cheapness, and being a part of the bluecollar community. On the other hand luxury companies tie themselves with exclusivity, comfort, thrill, extravagance, and affiliate themselves with society’s economic top. Some companies change their image branding mainly for the reason that they see an advantageous marketing opportunity, with the potential to be more successful than the current one, one of the most famous examples being Lego, who originally were a wood toy making company made the massive decision to rebrand into the brand of constructing, and creativity via plastic components. Nevertheless, most brands stay consistent and pick one identity to rely on, such as in the case of Apple, which has become synonymous with elegance, minimalism, and innovation.

CULTURE | THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING

Establishing a brand means that the company has a clear vision of who they target as consumers, which can lead to more focus on further R&D evolution for future proceedings. By fabricating a unique identity and reputation for the company, a strong brand differentiates the company or product from other competitors, making it more memorable and trustworthy in the minds of consumers.

“By fabricating a unique identity and reputation for the company, a strong brand differentiates the company or product from other competitors, making it more memorable and trustworthy in the minds of consumers.”

A strong image also builds trust and credibility, leading to loyal and reliable customers who are willing to take the extra steps to possess the service offered by the company. Furthermore, customers associate themselves with brands that they believe represent the qualities that they have exaggerated about themselves, such as in the case of many Apple products, many of their buyers want to assume the look of futurism by combining the minimalist design of Apple products with the other accessories that they have. This is what makes many people pay the extra often falsely advertised “premium” products. On the other hand, creating a brand image heavily affects the first impression of a customer on the business in the question, as first impressions are generally extremely difficult to alter. As such, many partners or investors would be disinterested in a company which has a known trait that they do not want to affiliate themselves with, and would not make the effort to get to know how the company operates.

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Unfortunately, there are also other consequences among the previously mentioned, one of them being the colossal difference in price between products proposed for the same task, where the processes are largely similar, if not almost identical. A prime example of this would be the comparison between a Citizen Caliber 8210 watch, and a Glasshütte Caliber SW 280 watch, the former movement costing around 300 euros, while the latter can be obtained for around 1700 euros, despite the fact that both use the same movement (the “engine” of a watch) by Japanese movement manufacturer Miyota. The general population is paying for the Glasshütte brand, and would rather take a far more significant financial spending in order to perceive the brand identity of “prestigiousness” of the German watch-making brand that is Glasshütte. This results in many people using brands to shape their identity, and using their position of owning a scarce, or luxury product as the facilitation of treating others poorly who do not possess the same products or brand characteristics.

“This results in many people using brands to shape their identity, and using their position of owning a scarce, or luxury product as the facilitation of treating others poorly who do not possess the same products or brand characteristics.”

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY BRAND PRICING | CULTURE

In conclusion, by utilizing branding, companies used various methods of impacting the customer’s perception of the product which they are looking for, increasing or decreasing the theoretical value of what they are selling. This is strengthened by the brand allocating itself characteristics and pseudo beliefs about what the company cares for, in order to gain the trust and loyalty of the consumers looking to buy from different makes.

While creating a brand has its advantages, such as that it can elevate and separate a company from its competitors, it also has its consequences, such as disinterested investors and partners due to initial impressions of a brand. Furthermore, companies use other strategies, such as charm pricing, to manipulate the artificial value given to a product that it is selling to give off different types of impressions for the customer, as to what to expect out of it. While the argument of calling companies selfish, inhumane, and manipulative can be made, it has to be realized that the main purpose of a company is to gain profit to allow it to keep paying its workers and to be able to expand using the profit gained.

“While the argument of calling companies selfish, inhumane, and manipulative can be made, it has to be realized that the main purpose of a company is to gain profit to allow it to keep paying its workers and to be able to expand using the profit gained.”

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The idea of consumer value is essential to keep markets visually unique, and distinct from one another to grant the succession and competition of other brands. Thus value will remain, prices will remain, and so will the companies creating them.

CULTURE | BED BUGS - IT’S A BED BUG WORLD, WE’RE JUST SLEEPING IN IT

BED BUGS IT’S A BED BUG WORLD, WE’RE JUST SLEEPING IN IT

By Tatjana Hellawell '25 In recent years, an unwelcome resurgence of bed bugs has captured public attention, leaving homeowners, hoteliers, and pest control professionals feeling heavy concern and discomfort towards the scenario. These tiny, blood-sucking insects have plagued humans for centuries, but their prevalence had significantly diminished in the mid-20th century due to improved sanitation and the widespread use of pesticides. However, the past couple of months have seen a notable return of bed bugs, leading to what some experts describe as a "pandemic." Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex Lectularius, are tiny wingless resilient pests, favouring warm environments, and feeding primarily on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep.

“Their bites are not frequently a cause of serious health issues or transmission of diseases” They may cause itchy red welts resembling a rash.

The insects are known to inhabit mattresses and bed frames, but they can also spread through humans, latching onto our clothing, our suitcases and our hand luggages, giving them easy access to spread across the world.

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The recent infestation began just before Paris Fashion Week, when reports revealed an increase in sightings of bed bugs in homes, cinemas, the metro, trains and hospitals; likely due to the increase in travel following the end of the Covid Lockdown and decrease in tourism. The vicemayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, responded to this outbreak, stating that:

“No one is safe, with these little insects fueling fears and spreading despair throughout the city.”

The TikTok community has been a major source of information, with users taking advantage of the platform by sharing their first-hand encounters and experiences with these pests. However, there are a few accounts such as the ‘exterminatorking’ which say there is no reason to panic yet. As bedbugs have been around for decades and they are not likely to go away anytime soon. You just need to know how to look out for them, and how to dispose of an infestation. There are several ways to avoid getting bedbugs.

When getting to a hotel, experts suggest you keep your suitcase off the bed, as this is where the bugs are usually found, and that you keep as much of your clothing inside your suitcase; as well as keeping your dirty items of clothing separate, as research indicates that bedbugs are more attracted to dirty clothes rather than clean ones. There are many trending videos on how to check for these bugs in the crevices of your beds and your rooms, ensuring the blood-sucking pests don’t manage to sneak up on you.

OPINION

OPINION | BOOK REVIEW - SIX OF CROWS

BOOK REVIEW: SIX OF CROWS

By Allegra DiFlorio '27 Betrayal, heists, escapades, brotherhood; Six of Crows, the first book in the Crooked Kingdom duology, is the book I will be reviewing. Action packed and full of adventure, it is perfect for readers searching for a captivating, exciting, and moving read. As it is one of my favorite books, I definitely recommend it.

“As it is one of my favorite books, I definitely recommend it.“ Leigh Bardugo, a highly accomplished author and Yale Graduate, showcases her literary talents throughout her twenty novels. Bardugo claimed the coveted number one spot on the New York Times bestselling authors with her 2019 novel, Ninth House. On top of this, she is the creator of the Grishaverse, a captivating universe that has been adapted into a Netflix Series. This expansive world serves as the backdrop for several of her acclaimed works, including the Six of Crows duology, the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and the King of Scars duology. Born in Jerusalem in 1975 and grew up in Southern California, Bardugo’s multicultural upbringing influences the richness of her storytelling. Graduating from Yale University in 1997 with a major in English she worked in a variety of professional settings including advertising, make-up and special effects, and journalism. Some of her short fiction works have been included in anthology collections including ‘The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy’.

In her biography, Bardugo mentioned that her love of language came from her grandfather, who raised her as a voracious reader like himself, always encouraging her to tell and write stories.

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In the opening chapters, readers are introduced to the enigmatic Kez Brekker, a seventeen year old prodigy and leader of the notorious Dregs, a gang in the city Ketterdam. Besides being the gang leader, Kaz is a major figure in the criminal world: also running a gambling house called the Crow Club. His reputation precedes him as he has always been able to use his deceptiveness and ruthlessness to get his way and thrive in the underworld. In this novel, Kaz is offered millions by a wealthy merchant, Van Eck, to tackle a dangerous heist. Tempted by the allure of wealth and driven by an unrelenting ambition, Kaz readily accepts the offer, and assembles his trusty team.

First there is Inej, known as the Wraith for her stealthy abilities, Jesper, a proficient marksman, and Nina, a Grisha Heartrender (the Grisha are people who have magical powers. A Heartrender is a type of Grisha that has the abilities to manipulate the body). Their mission unfolds as the four of them sneak into Hellgate, a heavily fortified prison, to free Matthias, a former Fjerdam soldier with knowledge of the Ice Court (the fortress they have to eventually break into). Kaz’s fifth and last addition to the team is Wylan, an explosives expert who has also been to the ice court and who is ‘coincidentally’ Van Eck’s estranged son.

BOOK REVIEW: SIX OF CROWS | OPINION

Kaz uses Wylan not only for his skills but also as an insurance policy in case of any signs of betrayal from Van Eck’s part.

The top secret mission is to break into the Ice court in Fjerda (a vicious foreign country) and free the scientist Bo Yul-Bayur, who is the inventor of the drug Jurda Parem, a drug that magnifies the powers of the Grisha, while also making them addicted and killing them. Van Eck claims that the Merchant Council (that he is a part of) wants to prevent Jurda Parem from being misused, especially since it could be used to make an unstoppable Grisha army. Over the course of the novel, the characters form new friendships while fighting for their life and the cause that they believe in.

The plot twists are always unexpected and make the story ten times more interesting. Since the book is narrated by the six different members of the team, it feels as though you know what is going to happen but there is always something you don't expect.

“ Over the course of the novel, the characters form new friendships while fighting for their life and the cause that they believe in. ” Leigh Bardugo is able to create such a magical and vivid world through her writing, completely transporting the reader into the book. One aspect I especially loved is Bardugo’s ability to pay attention to the detail in everything, including the languages and customs of all the made up countries. It makes the fantasy aspect of the novel so much more plausible.

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I loved this book and would say it is at the top of my favorite books list. Bardugo makes the characters outwardly tough but secretly kind, making them so likable. By the end of the novel it feels as though you are saying “no mourners, no funerals” with them. After finishing this book, I could not get it out of my mind and I can’t wait to read it again. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy themes of intense action and plot twists mixed with fantasy aspects.