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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Pima County Public Library.
Feb 19, 2019PimaLib_ChristineR rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I'm glad I gave this book a chance, and if you're a fan of YA fantasy, I think you'll find something to like. So Pearson starts off with a gimmick: Lia is a princess on the run from her obligations. Working as a barmaid in a little backwater village she meets Rafe and Kaden. The two men don't know each other, but both work to get themselves into Lia's good graces over several weeks. The catch is that one is an assassin sent to kill her and the other is the prince she was supposed to marry. Pearson alternates chapters where we hear from each of the men, known only as "the assassin" or "the prince" and Pearson keeps us guessing as to who is whom. I'll be honest here: I didn't like the gimmick. I want to get to know and care about the characters. Lia is a princess willing to sacrifice her country to war to be free of a marriage. NOT because she's averse to getting married so much as that he may be... old and/or ugly! Gasp! (I don't think anyone will be surprised that both the prince and assassin are young and hot). So I wasn't caring for her too much, and we don't really find out anything about the two men because the author is playing games. In fact, I was incredulous that two men could room together for a couple of months and still know absolutely nothing about the other, other than "I don't think that guy is what he seems." And, like Throne of Glass, we have an assassin who doesn't seem able to do his job. So, throwing in unlikable and unknowable characters, an awful title and awful cover, why is this worth reading? Pearson saves the novel by giving up the masquerade. Once the characters are revealed several things happen. First is that Lia is forced to grow up through a series of events. Pearson shows her confusion and then acceptance that the world is more than just her, and is even more than what she learned in a palace. She gets a sharp tongue and a tough spirit. And by moving the story beyond one little town, Pearson is able to bring in political intrigue and effective world building. By the end, I was hooked and looking forward to the next installment, Regency romance cover or no.