Well this book totally blindsided me. I looked at the cover and expected urban fantasy then I started it and thought oh it's going to be dystopian. Well let me state here and now that I was totally wrong as our very accomplished heroine Taya stepped into a world that felt both magical and medieval. If I had to categorise this book it's probably fantasy but done in a very unique way.
There is romance but it's a slow build up which works well although as a reader I could see it coming. Taya is pretty awesome although I did find her change from normal everyday young woman to bloodthirsty assassin a little odd. Something was pretty obvious and the ending confirmed it but actually I didn't mind because I was thoroughly enjoying guessing what would happen next. The end and epilogue to my mind felt a little too quick but I guess it's left in such a way that if the author ever decided to revisit these characters she could. So in conclusion I really enjoyed my first book by this author and I'm struggling to rate it but as the ending did feel a little too rushed and trite I will go with four but honestly it's well worth your time.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe

This novel was an enjoyable read. It was different from other novels I had read. The plot was rather unexpected, which made the novel all the better. Taya is camping with her friends when something happens that only leaves her alive. She promises vengeance on those who killed her friends, Arkavia. Taya survives in hopes to get back to her family when she meets Lord Thane who was sent to kill her. Thane has a different interest in Taya. He gives her a choice, be a slave or become his assassin. She will learn to develop her magical abilities and become a better fighter than she already is. Taya begins to fall in love with Thane, especially since they have this “bond” between them. Thane has a difficult past, but sees something in Taya that he cannot give up. We see how Taya develops throughout the story, which leads to more about her family history and the involvement in the current leeching of the earth by the Arkavians. Thane and Taya both come to realizations and it has an impact on their growing relationship. A highly recommended novel to read.

This novel surprised me in a good way. It's rare that I give a book with so strong hint of romance more than 3 stars, but here we had everything: a mystery, some survival themes, good character development and a relathionship than only little annoyed.

IIt's described as horror on goodreads and though it wasn't much scary, it has good climate. This novel is a lot of action and it;s definitely interesting for fans of fantasy and sci-fi stories.