DNF at 20%

Okay, I tried to continue because the writing is good but this book is so freaking DARK. Rape, abuse, violence... it needs a lot of content warnings. And that's totally fine, but current events suck right now and I can't handle something so dark/grim. I'm going to return to this book and try again closer to the release date. YMMV of course .

Interesting storyline with unexpected characters. I did like the twists and turns of the plot. It wasn't completely predictable and I liked getting to know the motivations of the main characters. Their pasts were intriguing and unusually intertwined. Not your typical "young heroine defeats bad guy" type of book. Enjoyed it immensely!

This book is very dark. It is definitely not YA (although I don't think that it is being marketed as YA). It deals with tough topics like rape, domestic abuse, forced abortion, and suicidal thoughts. If any of those topics are a trigger, I would recommend not reading this book. If those topics don't trigger you, and you enjoy darker high/epic fantasy books, then you might enjoy this story and characters.

But, even apart from the triggering aspects, I thought that the characters could use more development early on. They seemed a little wooden.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the free eARC, it just wasn't the right book for me.

One of the strengths of this novel is the character development. The author skillfully utilizes point of view, dialogue, and events in the plot to create well-developed, dynamic, and interesting characters. I love that the story is narrated from three different points of view. This gives the reader a well-rounded view of what is happening in this world. Furthermore, by including Queen Mirantha’s perspective using journals from the past shows how long King Karolje’s oppressive and murderous rule has devastated their kingdom.

Prince Esvar’s perspective is much different from his mother’s, which is vastly different from Anza’s. Yet, they share the same goal. Using the varied narration allows the reader to see a rebellion on all levels and from different perspectives. Small and large rebellions have significance and worth in the lives of these characters, and they all work toward the betterment of their kingdom.

I also like the growing relationship between Anza and Prince Esvar. They are very similar in their loneliness and isolation as well as in their desires for the kingdom. They are both complex and dynamic characters that do unsavory things even though they don’t want to. They see the bigger picture and do what they have to for those they care about. They definitely have a strong connection, and their love story is a bright spot in an otherwise heavy story.

I do think that the story is a bit slow. There is a tremendous amount of character and plot development. Extended conversations, interactions, and thoughts lead to strong and dynamic character and dynamic world-building, but sometimes get tedious, especially at the beginning. That being said, the political intrigue is engrossing, as are the stories of the major characters.

Favorite Parts:
- The well-developed characters.
- The three-person narration. It’s almost like reading three parallel stories.
- The political intrigue. The entire book presents continual struggles for power.
- The surprise twist! I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t say much, but OMG! There’s a great twist!

Recommendations:
People who like stories with strong heroes trying to rid their kingdom of an evil and sadistic ruler will enjoy this piece. I also think readers who like detailed and immersive stories with tremendous character development and multiple points of view will like this book.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is one of those stand out among the crowd stories. It sucks you in and twists you all around inside. I really enjoyed how the characters developed throughout the book. If you like political intrigue, daring adventure, and a little romance than this book is for you! Definitely want this one for my bookshelf!

A city ruled by an evil, tyrant king, where all are afraid. The rebels try to do what they can, but torture and death awaits those who are caught. The king's sons plot against him, but do not have the support of all the nobility for them to claim the crown, which could lead to civil war. Anza discovers the missing queen's diary, and learns much of the secrets. She is angry and wants revenge on those who murdered her father. Esvar, the second son, wants to stop his father, but is watched and reported on constantly. An opportunity rises when meeting the other, for Esvar and Anza can help each other to destroy the tyranny. However, failure results in death and punishment for all.