True magic is all but dead with elicromancers all but gone. But when Bristal is kidnapped and forced into the Water that can turn a mortal into a magic wielding elicromancer (or kill them in the attempt) she discovers an incredible power within her. The only other two living elicromancers, Brack and Tamarice, come to her aid and take her back to their refuge to train her. It doesn't take long for her to realize that Brack leans towards good and light whereas Tamarice leans towards darkness and domination. When Tamarice appears, uninvited, at the celebration of a newborn princess in the mortal realm and places a curse on the kingdom it is up to Bristal to help bring peace and destroy Tamarice, even if it takes years to do so.

This book is a masterful retelling of not only "Sleeping Beauty" but also "Cinderella" with just a dash of Mulan thrown in for good measure. But even with those obvious influences and more sprinkled throughout the story, there are plenty of unique plot twists to keep it interesting and less predictable. It's a well-written, fast-paced journey with lots of action and a variety of amazing characters. I truly loved this book.