I had an early review copy of this book from another source, having forgotten I’d requested it from NetGalley. (To be fair the request took such a long time I did think it was going to be declined.) I mostly enjoyed this even though the focus on the romance was not really to my taste. I know, I should have read the blurb more carefully. As YA fantasy romance goes, this is quick and fun. It’ll probably be to a lot of people’s taste. I would have preferred something with more emphasis on world building and a romance that was sub plot only. It did hit my bugbears in a few areas too. Another ‘world’s greatest assassin’ who seems to have zero competence and not actually kill people. And then a scene where while the MC is making a choice about her sex life, there’s also a lot of emphasis on the meaning of virginity without much exploration as to whether it’s valid and tied to that the perception that your body is owned by the person you marry. To be fair, I have seen so much worse in other YA and I’m aware I have a super low tolerance for this stuff now, but it did irritate me. Overall though, this is fun. I think Throne of Glass fans would enjoy it.



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While there is a lot on the magic and political system, this book focused more on the relationship that starts during the book.

There have been wars between kingdoms for a long time. Alliances were formed through marriages at times, but it seems like there may be problems starting again. The Queen needs to find the Deian Scrolls which is filled with magic not used. When she had her daughter, there was an assassination attemp. The King died during war. The queen had the Guardian of Renovia make a blood spell to find the scrolls. If he died before then, the blood spell would pass down to his son. The queen sent her daughter, princess Lilac, to live with her aunts for protection. Moriah and Mesha took care of her and loved her like their own. They taught her how to use magic. Lilac, who went by Shadow, didn't want to be royalty. She wanted to join the Guild and fight.

Caledon Holt became the Queen's Assassin. He had to keep her safe and also find the scrolls to break the blood spell. There are hints that there is a traitor that may be working with other kingdoms to kill the queen and princess. Caledon is tasked with finding the traitor. Shadow is told that she is to marry a king from another kingdom and take over as queen. Instead, she decides to flee and prove that she can be a part of the guild. She tricks Cal into taking her on as an apprentice.

During their travels, there are attemps on their life. After pretending to be brother and sister, they are taken in by the Duke and Dutchess of Girt. Shadow is to get close to the king to see if she can get any secrets out of him. Cal is still looking for the traitor. Cal and Shadow drive each other crazy, but they both start having feelings for each other. Shadow won't tell him who she really is and tries to hide her feelings. They both know that their lives aren't really their own though and their futures are planned out for them. Both have to make sacrifices of their happiness to serve their kingdom.

I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story, but I ended up liking Cal and Shadow. I enjoyed their arguing and hidden feelings. I'm definitely curious as to what will happen in the next book. My favorite characters ended up being the aunts. I adored them.

I gave this book 3 stars. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my review copy.

Warnings for forced marriage, death, talk of hangings, and blood.

I really, really, really liked this book. Like I finished it in three sittings over two days and I can’t get it out of my head. Shadow and Cal have made themselves at home and now I’m desperate to find out what’s next, which is TOO FAR away.

This duology is described as a romantic fantasy and I think that’s an incredibly fair description. There’s a lot of historical information given to help the readers truly understand the history of the different nations and bloodlines, as well an understanding of the magic in the world. There’s royalty and court intrigue and spying and balls (of course!).

While I liked the historical information that provided throughout the book, sometimes it did slow the pacing down. It was important and informative, but so much else of the book was moving at lightning pace. A LOT happens in the 384 pages, and yet, I am in desperate need of more. As much as I enjoyed all the fantasy aspects, it was Cal and Shadow’s relationship that truly drew me in.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book and I’m full of anticipation for the concluding book. While I have ideas where it could go, I can see a lot of things getting in the way of the happy ending I’m wishing for. The ending of this book ripped my heart but I still have hope for the next book.