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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
In this captivating reimagining of the War of the Roses, history collides with fantasy as a powerful Fae queen takes control of England’s fate. As a history enthusiast, I was immediately drawn in by the bold and original premise. The blend of historical intrigue and magical intervention gave the story a richness I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. The author takes real-world events and breathes a new kind of life into them, infusing courtly politics with enchantment and otherworldly stakes that keep you turning the pages.
The book delivers a tone and aesthetic that feels like Bridgerton meets The Selection, only with sharper edges and far more depth. There’s an elegance and glamour to the world, but it’s underscored by real danger and moral complexity. I’d recently tried revisiting The Selection and found it a bit too light for my current tastes. This book, however, struck the perfect balance. It fed my nostalgia for romantic court intrigue while offering a more mature, emotionally layered experience. I already can’t wait for the second book in the duology.
At the heart of the story is Ivy, a protagonist I quickly grew attached to. Her motivations are rooted in love—especially her fierce devotion to her sister, Lydia. Ivy’s journey is laced with sacrifice, and it’s hard not to feel for her as she navigates impossible choices. I sometimes wished she had allowed herself more happiness, particularly in matters of the heart. Still, I understand why the narrative led her where it did. Her arc felt honest, even if heart-breaking, and I appreciated how much she held on to her core values throughout.
Emmett, on the other hand, was an absolute standout. He gave me all the grown-up Maxon vibes I didn’t know I needed. A quietly tormented figure, he never let his own pain spill over into cruelty. His kindness, restraint, and quiet strength made him feel authentic and compelling. It’s rare to find a love interest who remains soft without losing presence, but Emmett absolutely delivered. His dynamic with Ivy was electric, even if it could have used more build-up to really hit its emotional peak.
If I had one critique, it would be the pacing. While the opening had me thoroughly hooked, the middle sections occasionally dragged. Certain plot threads—especially the deeper complexities between Ivy and Lydia—felt underexplored. I would have loved more time devoted to fleshing out their sisterly bond, as it’s such a central driver of Ivy’s choices. Similarly, Emmett and Ivy’s romance could have benefitted from more scenes that developed their connection gradually, allowing it to fully flourish.
That said, the book still delivered an incredibly satisfying and memorable experience. Its imaginative premise, strong character work, and immersive world-building make it a standout in the fantasy romance genre. I’m eager to see how the story concludes and where the characters go from here.
The book delivers a tone and aesthetic that feels like Bridgerton meets The Selection, only with sharper edges and far more depth. There’s an elegance and glamour to the world, but it’s underscored by real danger and moral complexity. I’d recently tried revisiting The Selection and found it a bit too light for my current tastes. This book, however, struck the perfect balance. It fed my nostalgia for romantic court intrigue while offering a more mature, emotionally layered experience. I already can’t wait for the second book in the duology.
At the heart of the story is Ivy, a protagonist I quickly grew attached to. Her motivations are rooted in love—especially her fierce devotion to her sister, Lydia. Ivy’s journey is laced with sacrifice, and it’s hard not to feel for her as she navigates impossible choices. I sometimes wished she had allowed herself more happiness, particularly in matters of the heart. Still, I understand why the narrative led her where it did. Her arc felt honest, even if heart-breaking, and I appreciated how much she held on to her core values throughout.
Emmett, on the other hand, was an absolute standout. He gave me all the grown-up Maxon vibes I didn’t know I needed. A quietly tormented figure, he never let his own pain spill over into cruelty. His kindness, restraint, and quiet strength made him feel authentic and compelling. It’s rare to find a love interest who remains soft without losing presence, but Emmett absolutely delivered. His dynamic with Ivy was electric, even if it could have used more build-up to really hit its emotional peak.
If I had one critique, it would be the pacing. While the opening had me thoroughly hooked, the middle sections occasionally dragged. Certain plot threads—especially the deeper complexities between Ivy and Lydia—felt underexplored. I would have loved more time devoted to fleshing out their sisterly bond, as it’s such a central driver of Ivy’s choices. Similarly, Emmett and Ivy’s romance could have benefitted from more scenes that developed their connection gradually, allowing it to fully flourish.
That said, the book still delivered an incredibly satisfying and memorable experience. Its imaginative premise, strong character work, and immersive world-building make it a standout in the fantasy romance genre. I’m eager to see how the story concludes and where the characters go from here.
I loved this!! I did not realise this was a duology and now I can't wait to get my hands on the second one!
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I know this is my fault but I'm upset I didn't realize this would be a series so the end was Very Unsatisfying
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Having to wait for the next book is going to be TORTURE!
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This YA romantasy was what I like to call a potato chip book. Satisfying in the moment, but it doesn't feel like there was a lot of substance. Nothing about the book was particularly bad, but I probably won't be talking much about it either. I did appreciate the nods & references to Pride & Prejudice though.