This was a good read, but it wasn't a GREAT read, mostly because the pacing is all over the place, which is very unfortunate because I really liked the world and absolutely LOVED having a disabled main character. I was more interested in the plot than the romance, (seriously, that curse had me in its clutches), but it was okay. Didn't feel earned enough considering the circumstances, though.
I really liked the complicated relationship between Lystra and her grandmother, but I'd like to see it fleshed out more. I'd also like to see more of what makes Lystra so special to her people, as this is never properly shown.
Something else that didn't quite sit right with me was how a certain character (that I won't name because of spoilers) plays into the curse. I'm sure will see more of it in the future, but I think their motivations should have been cleared in this book.
The ending is very abrupt--that goes into pacing, again.
Not the best book I've ever read, but I did really loved the world, and I'm curious to see where the story goes.


Thank you NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for the ARC.

5 stars from me. Loved every single detail about this story. So good. So mesmerizing. Amazing story.

I loved this book SO MUCH. I was hooked from the first page. Political intrigue, the setting, the tragic ended romance and the start of a new one. Meddling family. Trusted friends. The new kings curse was gruesome but brilliant. I loved Lystra so much. Her loyalty and bravery and badassery were just everything.