Rating: 5 Stars
Publication: June 11th, 2019
Rule #2
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ARC
Diversity: Sapphic Romance
Summary:
Sisters Akeylah, Ren, and Zofi are all a step closer to their dying father's throne, a step closer to the crown that will allow one of them to rule over Kolonya. But the sisters' pasts continue to haunt them. Each hides a secret marked with blood and betrayal, and now their blackmailer is holding nothing back. When King Andros discovers the sisters' traitorous pasts, the consequences will shake the entire kingdom to its core. As Kolonya's greatest threat stalks closer and closer, weaving a web of fear and deceit around Ren, Zofi, and Akeylah, even the people they love are under suspicion. If the sisters are going to survive, they'll have to learn to trust each other above all else and work together, not only to save themselves, but to protect everyone and everything they hold dear.
My Thoughts:
Zofis fierce and adventurous with a strong desire to heIp her scorned fellow Travelers. Being a Traveler can make life pretty dangerous, but its instilled a fighting instincts in Zofi that will help her keep fighting when all hope seems lost. Akeylahs abusive upbringing has given her the determination and quiet strenght of a survivor. Shes smart and very perceptive. Being able to read people and hide her emotions were often essential to avoid her fathers wrath and now those skills will help her navigate court life. As for Florencia, shes the only one who has any experience with court thanks to her being raised in the palace as a maid. Her position has given her some insight into how the nobles scheme and manipulate those around them. Knowledge that will be indispensable while she tries to figure out the identity of their blackmailer.
All the three sisters have different strengths and weaknesses that complimented each other. I could tell they were happier and stronger together. They each have their own unique personalities and reasons for wanting the throne, but they ultimately want whats best for their country. My favorite was probably Akeylah, but they were all a amazing to be honest. I especially enjoyed Akeylahs sapphic romance. It has a bit of a taboo element to it because the love interest is married, but since its for political reasons they've agreed to relationships outside their marriage. I was pleasantly surprised with how the different romantic parirings left off. Zofi unlikely alliance and Rens complicated relationship both had this wonderdul hate to love element to it that I really enjoyed.
I just adored the relationship that developped between the three sisters. It had a wonderful message of being able to accomplish more together than we can apart. We get both well developped characters and a gripping plot with the threat of the sisters darkest secrets being exposed. There was a sense of danger and intensity that made the pace very engaging. I really enjoy a mysterious plot. I found each of the sisters perspective and plot lines just as compelling. I found Rens mothers story about how she met the King and Akeylahs scene with her father was super heartwarming. I was a little frustrated with one of the fights at the end when they could have killed their tormenter, but decided to run instead. Im sure once dead the vulgar arts scars would show back up and absolve them of the murder.
The world had an interesting magic system, but it deals with cutting and blood so if you're sensitive to that just be careful going in. In my opinion it's not very graphic, but it could be for someone else. The story mostly takes place at the palace, but we do spend some time with a band of Travelers in a swampy location with bridges and tents on raised platforms. We also get some fascinating Traveler history. The writing was simple and easy to get into. I found it very bingeable and quick to read. Despite the end not shocking me I still enjoyed it. Im sad this is only a duology. Im just not ready for it to be the end. I need more books with these awesome sisters. Ill definitely be reading more from this author and totally recommend this duology for pride month or any month really.
*This book was received for an honest review
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