First to say - I love the cover! I enjoy YA fantasy so intrigued as to how this would go. From the first very readable, and Alyrra is an intriguing and interesting character. She doesn't seem much valued by her mother who initiates the proposed marriage between Alyrra and the prince of the neighbouring land, but the servants are on her side and show their affection with small unseen gestures. I do hope I win a copy as I would like to see the strength of her character.