As this was described as a Young Adult book I was slightly dubious about reading it. I thought the First impression was great but I am always wearing that as a twenty odd year old I would find the plot juvenile. This wasn’t the case. Instead I was transported into the new world of Aritsar and introduced to the fascinating Tarisai, the protagonist of the story.
Tarisai has spent her childhood in isolation, being brought up my carers and tutors whilst barely seeing her mother, known as only The Lady. One day Tarisai is sent to Aritsar’s capital to become a part of the Prince’s council. Becoming part of the council means that she will have a loving family for the rest of her life, something she has always craved. However, her mum has sent her on a fatal mission- once she is part of the council and gained the Crown Prince’s trust, she must kill him. Although this may be against her will, her mum’s command is bound by magic. Does Tarisai have enough power to resist and make her own choice?
I found the story great from the start. The author created this new world in so much detail, I felt invested from the beginning. Although I could see parallels and make connections to other book series such as the Hunger Games, I still felt this novel was original. The cast of characters were strong and well developed and I found the plot intrigued. I eagerly read the 2nd half of the book as I was fully immersed into the story at this point and wanted to learn more.
The book ended really well. Although it was a great book as a stand alone novel, it’s detailed and beautiful yet dangerous world made it a great start to a series of books. I hope these books keep on coming as I believe there is so much more to come from this world and these characters.
Thank you to Hot Key Books and Readers First for providing an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tarisai has spent her childhood in isolation, being brought up my carers and tutors whilst barely seeing her mother, known as only The Lady. One day Tarisai is sent to Aritsar’s capital to become a part of the Prince’s council. Becoming part of the council means that she will have a loving family for the rest of her life, something she has always craved. However, her mum has sent her on a fatal mission- once she is part of the council and gained the Crown Prince’s trust, she must kill him. Although this may be against her will, her mum’s command is bound by magic. Does Tarisai have enough power to resist and make her own choice?
I found the story great from the start. The author created this new world in so much detail, I felt invested from the beginning. Although I could see parallels and make connections to other book series such as the Hunger Games, I still felt this novel was original. The cast of characters were strong and well developed and I found the plot intrigued. I eagerly read the 2nd half of the book as I was fully immersed into the story at this point and wanted to learn more.
The book ended really well. Although it was a great book as a stand alone novel, it’s detailed and beautiful yet dangerous world made it a great start to a series of books. I hope these books keep on coming as I believe there is so much more to come from this world and these characters.
Thank you to Hot Key Books and Readers First for providing an Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.