What an amazing book! With every wish, there comes a curse. Innocence and idealism are corrupted. One perfect, seemingly harmless thought can change your life forever in Konstantin if you happen to cross paths with a mystical priest. Lara fell in love with the Prince, but knew with her ruined looks she could never have him. Her Prince, Pytor wished to replace his brother as king, but as the 5th brother this is an impossibility. Lara's wish for beauty and the Prince's heart and Pytor's wish for power both have consequences. Their daughter Polya is the curse. She's also the hope.
Polya is one of the most remarkable, unique characters for come along in quite a while. She's fierce, untamed, pure. Feared because of her differences, she has lived a lonely life. My heart broke for her repeatedly. I'm not sure which one of her parent's upset me the most! Shown little love, less affection, and betrayed by the only person that had ever shown her love, she still managed to shine brightly. Anatoliy, a soldier in the King's army was cursed because of a wish he made out of love and loyalty for his men. His suffering equaled Polya's which may have been one of the reasons they fell so hard and fast for one another. They gave each other strength in a time of great danger. It would have been easy for two strangers to turn on each other to try to save themselves, but these two were drawn together as kindred spirits.
This a beautifully written book. It seemed to blend aspects of the Tsardom of Russia and ancient Chinese myths. Exquisite world building. It's a story of family and duty, class inequity, love and loss, greed and unselfishness, human failings. It's the ultimate story of the fight of good versus evil. It's a book of deceptions; simple mistakes altering the world, simple actions changing lives. I loved this book and eagerly (and a little fearfully) look forward to the sequel.
Jennifer G, Reviewer
Amanda S, Reviewer
