A review by illstoptheworldandreadwithyou
The Empress: a Towerfall novel by Kristin Cast

3.5

It takes falling from present-day Chicago into an alternate realm filled with magick for twenty-something Hannah to fully find herself and where she belongs.

At a glance:
- Single POV
- Tarot-inspired historical fantasy
- FMC stuck in an alternate world
- Fake marriage
- Secret identity
- Only one bed
- Morally grey love interest
- Book 1 in a new series

I will say that it took me a bit to get into this book. The opening scene caught me off guard although I did expect the most jarring aspects to come into play later in the book (and they do).

I liked the story more once Hannah arrives in Towerfall and Kane enters the picture, and I enjoyed the friendships she develops in that realm.

The buildup to the major action is a bit slow, and Hannah does make some rash decisions along the way. The climax and denouement feel a bit rushed. Everything turns out okay in the end, though, and we love to see a big, good-triumphing-over-evil moment.

Although some of the characters feel a bit one-dimensional, I did appreciate Hannah's growth arc.

I can see this one appealing to Tarot fans and romantasy readers that want a touch of fantasy.

3.5⭐️

I received an advance copy of the book from Bloom Books. All review opinions are my own.