love this character driven fantasy

This is an enthralling character driven fantasy. The shocking dichotomy of a young healer poisoning her king grabbed my attention and then the author delivered brilliantly on that promise with a well crafted story.

Character growth is featured heavily in this story and I love that. This whole book could be viewed as a redemption arc for Selene, the healer/assassin (does she even need one though??) so I appreciated the constant POV insight into her thoughts and maturation. Ms Prince has really dug deep into Selene's motivations to show her absolute sincerity and lack of awareness of her own integrity and constant sacrifices. Watching her unknowing and innocent influence on those around her was lovely too, as the author has written her naivety perfectly, in the way of uncertain youth. I absolutely enjoyed her voice. She is not the only character who is laid bare, as Elias, the brooding young King, is similarly shown to have an abundance of personal issues. This author writes in-depth character studies extremely well, so that I feel as though I know these people down to their bones.

The lore is intriguing and well crafted. The genuine friendship and loyalty extended within the core group is heartwarming. What truly shook me though is the extent of the sinister plotting by the villain.

The narrator is perfect. Her delicate voice immediately establishes Selene as a young girl but she brings all the characters vividly to life, voicing both male and female characters well, with the emotions needed for believability.

This really is an enthralling and layered story, a real delight to read.

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