The series is set in a matriarchal world inspired by early 20th-century Asia, and tells the story of Maika Halfwolf, a teenage girl who shares a mysterious psychic link with a powerful monster.

[2] The story unfolds as Maika navigates through the power games of the factions of humans and arcanics while learning truths about the "Ancients" and her family that change her perspective.

[6] According to Liu, among the series's themes are the inner strength required to withstand constant dehumanization, as well as the power of friendship among women.

Writing for Kotaku, Evan Narcisse called it "a gorgeous comic book about racism, war and slavery", noting the intricate detail of Takeda's manga-inspired art.

[10] The comic was described by the Los Angeles Review of Books as "ambitious as George R. R. Martin or J. R. R. Tolkien" for its high fantasy concepts and heavy world-building.