Rating: ★★★★★
Thank you to Harper360 for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a review.
I have been bursting for a brilliant and exciting YA fantasy novel for so long, and this book ticked all of my boxes. I loved everything from the unique and novel magic system and world building, the complicated family dynamics and sisterhood at the centre of the story, the f/f enemies-to-lovers romance and so much more. If you are looking for a riveting fantasy read, this one might just be for you!
Asya and Izaveta are twins trapped by their destiny. Born heirs to the throne of Tourin, the gods decide that Izaveta will be queen, while Asya will take on the role of the magical Firebird, who keeps magic alive in Tourin. When their fates were decided years before, the sisters were separated, and whilst Asya has been learning the ways of the Firebird in seclusion under the tuition of the current Firebird, her great-aunt, her sister has been learning the ways of political scheming and royal manipulation at the palace. When their mother dies, Izaveta becomes the queen and Asya becomes the Firebird. Not only are the pair thrust into new roles overnight, but there are plots against them in the palace, and they must figure them out if they are to survive.
I found each of the characters in this novel so compelling, and both sisters were strong enough to really carry the story from beginning to end. I loved how they were both such different characters, who make mistakes and do morally questionable things, and yet I was on their side the whole way through. Overy really perfected the morally grey characters in this book and that made this book so interesting to read. I also really enjoyed the romantic subplots in this book, particularly the F/F enemies-to-lovers romance, which pleasantly surprised me. The other romantic plot was somewhat more predictable but still enjoyable.
Another equally strong area of this book was the magic system. I was fascinated by Overy’s magic system, its rules and its traditions. The concept of people having to pay for magic fascinated me, and Asya’s struggle in accepting her role in maintaining the balance by charging the “price” for magic really wove the world into the plot and the characters, rather than just making the setting a backdrop for the story. It made the plot itself, which was mysterious, exciting and constantly moving forward, a really interesting one to follow and brought it to life.
Overall, this is definitely one of my favourite reads of this year so far and I can’t wait to read the sequel which comes out next year. This book has everything I love from a novel, and I’m so happy and grateful to Harper360 for the chance to read it.
Ink Drops Books 