Firstly the beautiful cover drew me in and the story blurb sounded intriguing so I was thrilled at the opportunity to read an Arc for this story.

It follows the journey of Mari who has a strong likeness to Katniss (Hunger games), they both live in poverty stricken districts fighting for daily survival on scraps and supporting their family, whilst being strong-willed women who can kick ass and don't give up easily.
The children and young women from various districts are selected and taken by force by the guards every few years to the Kingdom, where supposedly they will have a better life, be cared for and be married to nobles.

The first half of the story is very much like The Batchelor meets Hunger Games, with the girls enduring trials and tests (survival of the fittest) to get further ahead for a chance to marry not just nobles but the Prince of the kingdom.
The Queen however has major red flags for danger and seems set on making Mari fail at every opportunity.

Mari despite having endured a tough life and limited-to-no education is still a tough inquisitive cookie and quickly realises there is more to the glittering facade of the kingdom and tries to uncover it's dark secrets with the help of some allies.
Easier said than done when she's competing in a trial where the losers seem to die or disappear, a fire breathing dragon roars overhead threatening all, and the prince has taken a keen interest in her.

With plenty of mysteries, secrets, plot twists, dragons, curses, brooding love interests, and escapes from death, Mari will keep doing all in her power to save herself, those closest to her, and her district.