2024-01-24
A young princess fights to claim her throne and unite her realm in Arama’s sweeping historical fantasy.
On her 10th birthday, Princess Andrada of Kerta is ordered by the father she’s never met to begin a traditional boy’s education—her late mother’s wish. King Cothelas intends for his daughter to be his heir, but when she fails the King’s Challenge, she’s forced into an arranged marriage with King Nicetas of Valdavia. Nicetas is a cold and bitter man, haunted by an attempt on his life by Scorilus, the King of Steppewynd, and he leaves Andrada alone for months on end while he lives with his lover, the medicine woman Una. The kingdoms of Kerta, Valdavia, and Steppewynd, neighbors abutting the Black Sea, were once the single realm of Dhawosia; they now narrowly maintain their independence from the Roman Empire as they fret and squabble amongst themselves (King Cothelas demands King Nicetas’ first-born son by Andrada; King Scorilus dreamed of being an explorer, not a ruler). When tragedy strikes, Nicetas accuses Andrada of murder, and the three kingdoms go to war. In the chaos, Andrada must find her resolve and courage to try to unite her divided people. This well-crafted novel features intricate worldbuilding that’s expertly woven into the story with elegant prose: “The Old Temple of Sehul had been built by the founders of Sehuldava to capture the light of the sun on a high holy day. The light would enter the temple through a small window and reach the inner chamber.” The supporting characters often feel two-dimensional, however, with singular motivations that make their actions (and a good portion of the plot) predictable. But all the various threads come together neatly in the story’s final act for a rousing finish, and the ending provides a tidy setup for the upcoming sequel.
Readers of historical fantasy will love the battles, intrigue, and imagination in this sprawling tale.
