4/5 stars
3/5 spice

Great world building, an intense love story, and a badass female warrior who survives numerous obstacles and trauma. 

Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers 
Polyamory/why choose
Found family 
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Multiple POV 

This was an dark epic fantasy romance that takes you on a journey. It's important to check the trigger and content warnings because the FMC, Lara, goes through a lot of trauma throughout the book. 

The story immediately draws you in and you get a clear idea of who these characters are. Lara, Alessandro, and Nicola all care very deeply about each other and try their hardest to be each other's protectors. Unfortunately Lara grows up in an abusive household and can't always be protected. When war comes to their home Lara gets the chance to finally become the warrior she always dreamed of being. 

Lara's relationship with Alessandro and Nicola grow under their forced proximity in the war camp. You really see the character development with all of them at this point. But then... it's only half way into the book and SO MUCH has happened already you start wondering what awaits you in the end. 

It's a lot to take in but the story doesn't feel dragged out. The ending broke my heart but also got me excited for the second book. 

If you love epic fantasy that's slow burn with the romance/spice but also great characters and plot... then you'll love this book. 

I wrote a book! I hope you enjoy it :)