"Behold what is coming."
Wow! This book was really something. Ifueko's world-building and the way she weaves a magical tale is just phenomenal. I loved the characters and their interactions especially the growing relationships between Tarisai, Dayo, Sanjeet and Kirah. It took me a little while (a few chapters) to get to grips with what was going on but once I did I was completely sucked in.
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by her mysterious, cunning and often absent mother known only as The Lady. When Tarisai comes of age, The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to be chosen as one of the Crown Princes Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray; a bond deeper than blood. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey; kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust.
The twists and turns in this book were so well done; I don't think I saw any of them coming. For a debut fantasy I was beyond impressed and this book is not one to be missed. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
Wow! This book was really something. Ifueko's world-building and the way she weaves a magical tale is just phenomenal. I loved the characters and their interactions especially the growing relationships between Tarisai, Dayo, Sanjeet and Kirah. It took me a little while (a few chapters) to get to grips with what was going on but once I did I was completely sucked in.
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by her mysterious, cunning and often absent mother known only as The Lady. When Tarisai comes of age, The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to be chosen as one of the Crown Princes Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray; a bond deeper than blood. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey; kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust.
The twists and turns in this book were so well done; I don't think I saw any of them coming. For a debut fantasy I was beyond impressed and this book is not one to be missed. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!