WOW. I wish more fantasy was like this.

Big fan of this. I loved the main characters, especially Lira, and I loved all the history. Sometimes it felt a little info-dumpy but mostly I was glad for it. I want to know more about the hundred (and one!) kingdoms! TELL ME EVERYTHING.

There are definitely hints of The Little Mermaid, but in my opinion... this is better. Our heroine is much more badass and the prince is much cleverer. Don't not read this story because you think it's a retelling of TLM - it's not. It's much better.

The romance is so slight and so barely there that it was perfect. Sometimes that's the best type of romance in a YA, you know? It felt authentic. Their banter? Iconic and also authentic. Mostly everyone is witty, which is probably a stretch in real life, but I really didn't care. Give me good dialogue and I'll suspend my disbelief.

Christo has a new novel coming out in 2019 - it's untitled and all the summary says is "gangster fantasy". Sign me TF up!!!!!