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Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.
5 Star Review
This book has been on my radar for quite a few months but with the release of the sequel in the latter part of 2015 the series was once again brought to my attention. The beginning of this book is very good at setting the scene; the reader quickly gets to know the personalities of the main characters thought there interactions and it becomes clear that they know each other well, the romance that will feature in the book is also introduced well in the beginning chapters (who doesn't love a forbidden romance!?). The magic system and the current political situation are also explained in theses chapters.
I spent most of the book trying to work out more about Meira's history and origins as we don't really get to read much about her past most of this book which - of course - made me want to know more about were she had come from. 'Sir' is also a fascinating character he always seems to have a plan which he doesn't share with anyone. I love the way in which the little group interact with each other - there familiarity which each other habits, thoughts and feelings.
I really enjoyed the romance side of this book we started with one of my favourite tropes, forbidden love where both people like the other but the situation prevents them from actually getting together. However, later on in the book the forbidden love turns into a love triangle. Now wait, don't let it put you off, I am not a great fan of love triangles the indecision, the wavering between one option and another is so infuriating but this DIDN'T happen -at least not in this book can't say for the sequels- when the love triangle is introduced it isn't by Maira's own choice. However, as the situation is delicate it isn't just the three of them which she has to consider and I can totally understand her choice. She seems to go about 'choosing' in a more mature way she doesn't try and play them both they are both aware of the other's position.
The ending was well rounded, most things seemingly get resolved with a few issues to be smoothed over. I can't wait to see more of how the various characters react to the new situations that are now in, as they are vastly different from where they started.
