This fantasy novel is one of those fantasy novels that is realistic, and not “high fantasy”. There is a lot of self harm, so could be triggering to some.

Zofi, Akeylah, and Ren just found out that they are the king’s illegitimate daughters. Zofi grew up as a traveler, Akeylah with an abusive father, and Ren as a maid to royals. Now, the king is ill, and he needs to name an heir; which of the three will he choose? They all have dark secrets that threaten the kingdom, and someone is blackmailing them to leave. While they come from diverse backgrounds, they must work together to find the blackmailer and keep their secrets.

The magic and the secrets, revealed to the reader early on, are what makes this book interesting. It is a shocking page turner. Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger ensuring readers pick up the second book.

I couldn't get through this one. It wasn't bad it just wasn't my style and couldn't hold my attention. I could see how it could be a good read for someone who likes this style. It was just different from what I expected.

I went into reading this mainly because I was scrolling through Kindle books and saw it on sale and it sounded interesting, so I decided why the heck not? I came into reading it with below expectations because I had never heard of it before, but very quickly Goodlett won me over with her characters and unique complex world. I ended up enjoying this much more than I could have expected.

I loved reading as I kid but struggle to find time as an adult. It’s often impossible to sit down to focus. While this book was not memorable overall, I’m sure it’s not you, dear book, it’s me.

I wasn’t able to read this one as I have not been able to download a copy. As I was bot able to read the book, I will still give it a five star review because it was not the author’s fault.

This read super easy and super quickly for me. I appreciated the parallel story lines and the different perspectives and I loved the secrets! It did feel like a lighter Three Dark Crowns, and there was a sincere attempt at diverse characters!

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

Sadly this book did not click with me. I tried to read it but I was unable to get very far each time. It's a case of "its me, not you' for this one. I just didn't care what happened to any of the characters which made reading it a struggle.

I love fantasy, but this wasn't for me either. Not my type of fantasy?


I also tried reading this book multiple times. I read that first chapter at least three times, but I couldn't get into it. It just wasn't for me. That's why I waited so long to write a review. I hate to be negative. about someone's hard work.

I thought the premise of the book was interesting and enjoyed the switch between viewpoints. The author seemed to have contemporary readers in mind as it addressed issues of class and sexuality. There were some elements of the plot that felt a little controversial (I won't go into details to avoid spoiling the reading experience) but that might also be a difference in perspective in comparison to the author. I was, however, disappointed by the fact that the book ended with a cliffhanger. It soured the reading experience and made me less interested in picking up the second book.

After looking into this book more, there are some themes I can’t support. Unfortunately, I can’t read this story.

Oh no, just no. I really almost didn't finish this. I can't connect to any of the characters, and some are in relationships that are just feel tossed into to gain that portion of the readers they might get. It was not the book for me, at all. I would NOT call this YA. It just failed in so many, many, areas. The plot, the characters, the lack of meaningful dialog. The never, ending repeating of the same things, over and over, repeatedly. (Yes, like that!) I thought I was headed for a good story, but this was nothing like what I felt the description promised. I have no desire to read any more of this.

My copy came from Net Galley. A positive review wasn't required. This review is my own.

This one was okay. I don't know if it was a me thing or the book. I felt like the story was solid, but sometimes I would put it down and forget about it. Normally I love fantasy and the story and characters were all right on paper. Something just didn't connect for me.

Rule by Ellen Goodlett was an enjoyable read. I love stories involving royals and this had not one, but three main princess characters. Each princess had lives of their own and more secrets than they should, but despite their many flaws, they were all likeable main characters. The main plot revolves around the kingdom needing an heir and which girl is the right princess for the throne. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.

This book left me very conflicted. The characters and plot pulled me into the story, even if the plot was a little predictable. I wanted to know how it ended, to find out how the characters each dealt with the obstacles being thrown in their way and made it to the end. One of my MAJOR problems with this book, however, is that it just ENDS. No resolution. Not even a gentle wrapping-up of the books story arc while leaving the threads handing for the next book in the series to feed off of. No. It just ends.

While the ending drove me nuts and kept me from fully enjoying this book, I do want to read the next one and see what happens. I just hope it won't end like the first.

In all honesty, I'm only reading this book because it's one of the oldest ARCs still in my Kindle. I'm pretty sure I downloaded it from one of those READ NOW e-mails for Netgalley. I've skimmed a couple of reviews a few times over the last two years and always put the book off but it's still waiting for a review from me and I'm determined to get somewhat current with my ARCs this year. Thank you for Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Now I will admit I've only read 10% of the book.

The book follows the stories of three different girls who all get picked up by the King's Guard, essentially, and relocated to the home of said King. The 10% I read included a chapter from each one of the girls - Zofi, Akeylah & Florenica aka Ren. The premise in itself sounded interesting but there's just so much wrong in each girl's situation that I couldn't stomach the idea of continuing to read. Between the way they use the Blood Arts to the abuse that at least two of them suffer, I shouldn't have to suffer through the book and therefore I'm not going to do that to myself.

Rule by Ellen Goodlett is a YA fantasy novel that is filled with political intrigue and told from multiple POVs. A little hard to follow and get into from the start, but it is promising and enjoyed reading in the end.

I couldn't finish this book. I simply could not get into it. Very Dull. I rarely find a book I cannot finish.

I DNF'ed this one because I didn't emotionally connect to the characters and I found elements of the story problematic.