As the opening book in a trilogy this packs a punch. This is a stunning dark fantasy romance with great worldbuilding, creative magic and powers, and intriguing characters.
This story takes you in so many directions and the journey is full of suspense, drama and mystery.
It's an incredibly layered plot that feels like 2 parts, the first half with crafted worldbuilding and history, found family bonds, and a building slow burn steamy romance all heading for a happily ever after,... then the second half hits you with twists, betrayals, secrets, darkness and heartache.
Olivia is such a powerful character, and the emotions portrayed deliver a heart wrenching path with her contemplating sacrifice, redemption, revenge and hope, and balancing the fine lines between good and evil for the greater good. The villainous Lord also adds a creatively dark complexity to the storyline, and a burning desire for vengeance.
The ending is unexpected and sets things up nicely for the next book which I can't wait to read!

*This book does contain dark topics so remember to check trigger warnings.

Themes include: forbidden love, fae, courts, royalty, arranged marriage, forced marriage, violence, abuse, mind control, fated mates, rare powers, found family.

Honest and Voluntary ARC review