As a young teenager, I really enjoyed Melissa de la Cruz novels and was excited to read this opening novel to her new series.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel as engrossed in the book as I had hoped, mainly due to the scale of information presented in a sort of clump at the beginning of the novel. There were ways for the world and context to be explained without simply reeling it off. I probably wouldn't have noticed this too much if I was a new reader to fantasy/YA books of this nature but it has been done before in a more sophisticated way.

The plot itself was simplistic but enjoyable and I would recommend this to younger readers of YA.

Ok, so this book is going to throw a lot at you at once. Just stick with it and slowly all of the places and names will start to make sense! There is a lot of world building thrown at you in the beginning, but if you’re like me you’ll love this aspect of the book (and probably be saying, “I need a map!”). I oftentimes love the first book in a series the most because it sets everything up, and The Queen’s Assassin does just that.

I have to have an honorable mention for the Aunts. They just made me giggle because I kept imagining them as the fairies from Sleeping Beauty mixed with the aunts from Practical Magic. Plus I applaud de la Cruz for casually dropping in that they are married. I wish more books made f/f, m/m, etc. relationships normal! The story alternates perspectives between Cal and Shadow, and honestly I think it’s one of the first times that I personally did not mind the perspective swapping. Typically I don’t like one of the character’s in the alternating perspectives but this time I liked them both (go me!).

Melissa de la Cruz is a master at romance, so of course The Queen’s Assassin is no different. If you were a fan of her Blue Bloods series then I definitely think you will enjoy this read! It has all of those classic de la Cruz elements and is definitely written in her style, even if it is a bit more fantasy than some of her other books.

The story was enjoyable with great world building and likeable enough characters. My favorite were the Aunts. They so reminded me of the quirky aunts from Practical Magic. The alternating POVs between Caledon, the Queen’s assassin and his apprentice, Shadow, were easy to follow though I didn’t understand why Cal’s was in third person while Shadow’s was in first. The book is titled the Queen’s assassin after all but we don’t get a lot of information about him. He is supposed to be this highly skilled assassin but we hardly get to see him in action. I know this is a YA book but it felt a little too juvenile for me but that’s my personal opinion! Other readers may not feel the same. This would be perfect for a much younger audience as it is very clean. If you are looking for a quick, light fantasy read, The Queen’s Assassin is perfect for that!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin teen/Putnam for my advanced copy.

*I WAS PROVIDED AN e-ARC FOR THE PURPOSES OF A BLOG TOUR. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION*

I absolutely love Melissa de la Cruz. I really do. So, when I saw that she had a new novel coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it.

I was a little let down at first, that Cruz decided to go the more simple route in a fantasy novel. Nowadays, seeing a story with 'Queen' in the title just feels overplayed and used up. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad thing to write about in fantasy. It's just so overused in YA fiction that it can get a little boresome to read.

Along with that, Cruz really simplified the writing within this novel. The opening was very eye-capturing, and it really set the novel up. But jumping into the novel, it was easily noticeable that this was suited more for people who are just aging out of Middle Grade and are looking for something a little more "up there."

Now that we've gotten past the bad, I feel it's very important that we still highlight the good parts too.

This novel really did show a commitment to the message it held between the lines, and that was the lengths one would go through to keep alive the loyalty, love, and commitment one holds.

I really liked the alternating viewpoints. I felt that that was what really kept this story alive, and it gave two different sides to a story we wanted to enjoy so very badly.

Though some of the plot twists were a bit predictable, they were still nice to read about and through. 

Lastly, I really love that Cruz gave the main female MC a purpose beyond being the "damsel princess that wants to be stronger, but just doesn't end up being that way in the end." I feel that's really important that we include in fantasy novels, and I'm happy for that addition.

All in all, I did really like this novel. For that, I rate it 3.75 stars. I hope to see a bit more of an improvement in the sequel to this novel, and I can't wait for whatever Cruz releases following it.

I have read a few books by Melissa de la Cruz and have really enjoyed them. This book was just okay for me. I finished it hoping it would pick up, and I am hoping that the next in the series will be better. Hopefully this was just a rocky start to a really great series.

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating : 3.5🌟
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Arc / Kindle e-book / Netgalley / February 2020
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<i>Thankyou so much FFBC team, Netgalley and Penguin group for the e-arc copy and the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. </i>
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This book follows our two main characters, Cal and Shadow, who embarks on this unexpected journey to save not only the kingdom but themselves as well. The whole story is told in two Point of views and in the present setting.
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First, I have to give it to the author for the character names! Though sometimes in a fantasy setting, names can be easily overlooked, this story still makes me remember the character names pretty well, yet be really unique as well! Not to mention our main characters!! Our loyal, hard on the outside and soft on the inside, a deadly assassin Cal who is just an absolute sweetheart! I mean he is totally getting the title of the perfect book boyfriend from me 😂. Next is our strong, eccentric, I will do everything immediately as the idea comes to me, confident Shadow. I mean... I am not a huge fan of her character, and I don't know why exactly. Maybe because of the cliched character traits, or the way she does everything rashly or just because she is not Cal! But the dynamic between Cal and Shadow is absolutely amazing and will sometimes melt your hard heart with the small things he does.
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Second, though moat fantasy setting tend to overlap when it comes to the plotline, this story maintained it's own uniqueness and a style particular to the author. The writing and word choices were really well done, and the two Pov's definitely helped as well. Though at times I was not a fan of the third person mention of the same pov characters and it was weird to read about. The side characters, though kept minimum, added a really nice support to the story and complimented the main characters as well. Especially Shadow's aunts who just made the story so much better to read about! I also liked the character Duchess Girt, who just was so annoyingly funny the plotline for a while would have been boring without her!
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Now coming to the ending, this story had absolutely everything I could ever ask for in a fantasy. Great characters, a book boyfriend material, funny side characters, good writing, well done plot structure, and would have gotten atleast a 4.25 stars easily. You know why it didn't? The ending! ~~*SPOILER ALERT* I mean I get the setting of the story and the pressure the two characters had to make a choice in a very delicate situation, but the way Shadow just threw the concept of Cal being her consort/mister after her wedding to someone else just doesn't sit right with me. I understand the thought process of the author while writing that scene, but I am not a fan of secret relationship after a marriage and the way it was easily given as an option by one of the characters was just too much for my taste. ~~ The ending was not a cliffhanger per se, but it makes you want to continue to read about all the unsolved mysteries the plot introduces.
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Overall,this story had absolutely everything I could ever ask for in a fantasy. Great characters, a book boyfriend material, funny side characters, good writing, well done plot structure. Other than that ending hiccup, this story pretty much gave me everything I need and I really enjoyed reading it in a single sitting! I am definitely reading the next book when it comes out!

This took me two attempts to get into the story, but ultimately I was entranced by the adventure in the plot.

Cal was the Queen's Assassin and Shadow wanted to be his apprentice to learn from him. But she had a secret. Having uncovered a plot of treason but in the process, killing the crown prince, Cal was imprisoned. Shadow saved him, and together they went in search of the holy scrolls which would save their Kingdom.

This was the broad gist, but there were many subplots to it, with lies and deceptions and strange beings abounding it and of course, magic. My first book by Melissa de la Cruz, I liked the adventure section. I read the book for the pure joy of the action sequences rather than analyzing the subplots.

Both Cal and Shadow were fun, though I wondered why Cal kept telling me he was the Queen's Assassin. I remembered it when he told me the first time. But in spite of being the biggest warrior, he was quite naive. Alternately, I liked Shadow much better. She was heart and brains, and it felt her quick thinking saved the day at times.

Twists soon found their way with the last few chapters bringing the biggest one. I was not fond of the ending, but to each their own. Overall, being my first book by the author, I quite enjoyed it.

All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.

Content Warning: Death of an animal and people, Bullying, War, Assassination, Premarital Sex, Imprisonment

"He accepted it, willing himself not to hesitate, and drank of her royal blood.
With that, he was bound. As was his son."

The Queen's Assassin will certainly catch the eye of readers who love political maneuverings. With a rich and detailed history of how this world has come into being, revealed as the story progresses, many will love this world building. There is a lot of historical information given throughout, giving a further glimpse back in time that set up the events of the present, and what makes them important. At times, The Queen's Assassin teeters on the edge of info-dumping. Yet, all of the information given is necessary.

The Kingdoms of Avantine have seen much turmoil throughout history. Before division occurred, Avantine was united under the goddess Deia. Countering her greatness was the cousin of the king of the Dellafiore dynasty—Phras. Envious of his cousin who possessed stronger magical powers, he slew him and took the throne for himself. His lust for power and magic only grew, eventually leading to his title of the Tyrant King. He confiscated any magical text found which were made into scrolls of dark magic named the Deian Scrolls. Only those appointed by the king, the Aphrasian monks, could use magic as it was otherwise forbidden in the land.

Some managed to oppose the evil king. A group of witches amassed and became known as the Hearthstone Guild. They saved all the magic that they could, and dedicated themselves to keeping as much knowledge about magic as possible. When the king finally died, the land divided into Renovia, Montrice, Argonia, and Stavin. The monks, dedicated to magic only, became too powerful and began overrunning their nation's leader. At this point, the assumed-deceased line of the Dellafiores rose to power, and fought to free Renovia from the clutches of war. When he died in battle, the crown of authority was passed to his wife, along with his most trusted ally—his assassin.

The Queen's Assassin starts out years after the king's passing. The son of the previous assassin is now the assigned assassin to Queen Lilianna. Caledan Holt has long ago scarified his life of normalcy. Being the best of the Guild, and bound to the Queen's bidding by his father's blood oath, he has no other choice. Caledon now must find the lost Deian Scrolls to forever eliminate the threat that the Aphrasians pose toward their kingdom since is father was unable to locate them before passing.

One less distinguished, but just as passionate in the Guild, is Shadow. Although she's been brought up to be prepared for court life, she's only ever wanted to become one of the Guild. Having some magical powers of her own, Shadow has been learning to hone her skills to be useful, along with training to become an assassin—just like Caledon Holt. In a way, Shadow gets her wish, when one day she has an unlikely encounter with Caledon and he saves her from being killed. He's a hero to her, but becomes a traitor to the crown when he kills her attacker who turns out to be a prince.

Caledon his carted off to an infamous prison to wait for further orders from his Queen, but things are looking grim. Shadow recognizes Caledon on his way out of town, and decides to embark on a rescue mission of her own. Shadow succeeded in ferrying Caledon out of prison, but the two are attacked on the road. Caledon realizes that Shadow is much more resourceful than he assumed, and they become a team, of sorts. The two learn along the way that there are numerous forces at play between the nations, and one in particular, incredibly sinister. However, as they spend more time with one another, an inevitable relationship buds between the assassin and his "apprentice."

The Queen's Assassin certainly has many twists, turns, shocking reveals, as well as some common tropes. I thought that these tropes were well-placed, and flowed naturally into the main plot-line. Despite this story being focused around Caledon and Shadow, I found myself much more drawn to the history and politics of Avantine. Some of the subplots with the characters fell to the wayside, and just didn't catch my interest.

I wish that there would have been much more description of Avantine to accompany the history built into the story. It was difficult to distinguish the realms from one another. Customs, culture, landscapes, climate, etc were muddy and not nearly as defined as I would have liked. I think ingraining these differences would make some of the history more memorable. If historical events cannot be attached to current attributes, they become lost and forgotten. Even so, I appreciated that there was a great deal of a backstory given to set the stage. It gave The Queen's Assassin depth and focus, and I'm curious to see where this story will go.

Vulgarity: Minimal.
Sexual content: Some insinuative behavior and one scene of intimacy without graphic detail.
Violence: Moderate.

My Rating: ★★★1/2

I received a gorgeous print arc of this book from the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own


“It’s alarming, really, how quickly nice people become ravenous, bloodthirsty.”
Melissa de la Cruz

A stunning first novel, The Queens Assassin is the first installment in the Queen's Secret Series.

NYT bestselling author, Melissa de la Cruz slow burn romance is definitely in the forefront of this Ya fantasy book of magic, assassins, royalty and adventures

The Queen’s Assassin follows both two characters, Shadow and Cal.
Recently called back to court by her Queen, Mother, an independent plucky female protagonist, Shadow has been raised in obscurity living in the countryside with her Aunts. Shadow takes her destiny into her own hands by planning on rescuing the infamous Queen’s Assassin. Headstrong and at times a little immature and definitely inconsistent, she has decided that being a ladys maid is ultimately a pawn.

Caledon father, had sworn a blood-oath to the queen to find the missing Deian Scrolls. The Scrolls are a record of magical history and knowledge, stolen many years ago by a bold and rebellious group, called the Aphrasians. Dying without completely his task, the blood oath is than transferred to his son, Caledon {Cal}.
Shouldering this heavy burden, Cal is desperate to find the magical scrolls, and finally began his life.

By Freeing Caledon ‘Cal’ Holt from the prisons of Deersia, they might put a stop to those trying to destroy the kingdom of Renovia.
Cal’s path is to find conspirator against the crown and find the hidden magic scrolls that will return magic to all the common people. The journey is treacherous and dangerous, along the way it brings the two young people closer together.
As Cal and Shadow grow relationship starts to bud, they soon uncover an interwoven web of lies, along with dire secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. Stopping at nothing to protect each other and their Kingdom

This was a adventurous Ya Romantic Fantasy that brought some noteworthy diversity within its pages. Including LGBTQ in several roles, such as Shadow's adorable aunts, the male ambassador of Renovia who is married to a man, and a magical person who identifies as they/them, amongst some others..

That ending was so much more than I expected!
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review The Queen's Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz!
After the king dies in battle, his best friend makes a bonding vow with the queen to protect her and the royal heir, as well as search for the magical documents and sacred scrolls that have been missing. He has pledged his life and his heir’s life to the queen until the scrolls are found and returned. Eighteen years later, we meet Shadow and Caledon Holt (he’s the best friend’s son, the kingdom’s deadliest weapon and the Queen’s assassin). Shadow is exploring around the Abbey when Caledon saves her life by killing her would-be assassin. The bad thing is that the man Caledon kills is the queen’s brother-in-law, Prince Alast. Alast proves himself a traitor, which is shocking to Caledon. The Queen sends Caledon to Deersia Prison to appease the public and keep the traitorous evidence secret. She wants Caledon to spy and find out where the traitors stem from. Shadow catches a ride to Deersia prison as a stowaway and finds Cal and helps him escape. They move onto Montrice to discover if there’s a spy conspiring against their kingdom and Queen. Shadow and Cal are fun, dynamic characters that work together well but drive each other crazy too. I enjoyed the humor in this book as well as the intrigue and magic. The ending left me ready to read the sequel! 5 stars!

I'll admit that reading The Queen's Assassin has been a pretty weird experience for me? 😅 On the one hand, I couldn't put the book down even when I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading it, but I still had to keep reading it because my mind wouldn't let me step away from it! My brain would boomerang back to the book as soon as I put it down and I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it until I picked it up again. It was a very fast-paced fantasy romance and it was a quick easy read!

I was intrigued from the first page and while there were parts that confused me and that I wish would've been improved upon (especially in terms of writing style and character development), I found I was invested in the plot and in knowing what happens to our MCs. The world building and magic system was interesting and Montrice especially reminded me of District 1 in the Hunger Games with its over the top luxury and extravagant lifestyle. I did however find that the level of detail was inconsistent (i.e. with certain details lacking where it would've benefitted to have more information and vice versa). I liked the representation and casual inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters though! The aunts were great characters and I found their presence in the story very comforting. I wanted to know more about them and I hope we do learn more in the next book!

The story is told in alternating POVs between our MCs, Caledon and Shadow. There were points with Shadow's character where I found myself confused because I was 100% sure I knew who she was but then something would be written in a way that had me thinking whether I did or not, so that kept me on my toes! 😂 That would've been a helluva plot twist but I'm glad that I turned out to be right. I liked that Shadow was headstrong and that she was willing to defy her mother's summons to join her at court when all she really wanted was to be a bad ass Guild member and do magic. That said, her character would bounce between being somewhat level-headed, to being irrational, quick to anger and insolent and I found that slightly irritating.

I liked Cal's character because I'm a sucker for the quiet and brooding 'bad boy' who has a soft heart, cares deeply, and wants love but don't think they deserve love. Yes, they're oft-repeated and overdone tropes but a girl can still enjoy it, right?! I wish that the character development was more consistent for both of them though, as it would've made the story better, especially when it comes to the romance. I was expecting the romance to play a big role in the story (and it is romance heavy) but I also didn't expect it to happen that quickly. It wasn't instalove and I did enjoy the bickering banter between the two, but I wished it was a bit more fleshed out and less 'full on devotion' in the span of a few chapters.

All in all, I'm glad that I was given the chance to read this book. Although the ending was a bit rushed and there were things I wasn't keen on, I'm still curious to know how this fantasy romance duology is going to end! I'm particularly excited to see what's in store for Cal and another character that we meet briefly early on in the story! I really liked this character so I hope that they play a bigger role in bringing the world to life in the second book. You can find more of my favourite quotes below:

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Fantastic Flying Book Club, Netgalley, and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

I’m going to die. Also: My aunts are going to kill me.

Shadow
Oh my gosh. Shadow cracked me up so freaking much! I feel like she was the reason why I was hooked on this book, although I didn’t even meet her until the first chapter.

Yes, there’s a little bit of back history on what happened before the events of this novel, and then a prologue as well to explain what exactly would be the Queen’s Assassin. I know I was curious until the prologue explained it and then I was like “well duh that makes sense.” So anyway.

But yeah I was really happy to read something from de la Cruz again, and I’m actually regretting that I hadn’t been keeping up with her work before this. I’ll have to go back and see some other novels from her. And honestly we all know that I’m not good at keeping up with series in general… *ahem* so we’ll have to see how long it would take me to even finish all of her series.

BUT ANYWAY. I’m sorry I keep going off on a tangent.

I really enjoyed this world that de la Cruz created, and I feel like her writing grew up with me and I can see me reading more of these older YA novels from her the more the years go by. Wow, that just makes me feel so dramatic but seriously. I have always loved de la Cruz, and I’m just so thankful that I was able to get to read this novel.

Oh, and I loved Cal also. I mean, yeah sure the first time we meet him is under some *ahem* extenuating circumstances but I was actually super excited to meet him that way. I feel like he’s so… maybe honorable but also seems like he could do something pretty… I don’t even know how to describe it. Like he would do just about anything to protect his realm, even if it wasn’t something that was entirely “good”.

It’s alarming, really, how quickly nice people become ravenous, bloodthirsty.

Caledon Holt
I need the sequel to exist so I can take a year or something to read it and then see what happens next. Yes, I swear I’ll end up reading it because I love Shadow and Cal. Literally making my night while I’m writing this review. This may be another favorite duo that I need to add to my list.

I loved the Blue Blood series by Melissa De La Cruz and was thrilled when I got the opportunity to read this story!

If The Queen’s Assassin has a plot alongside the ones you can indeed find in Sarah J Maas stories like the synopsis boasts it is also very different from said stories.

It’s a fast read set in a fantasy universe where magic has become rare, sometimes even forbidden.

You have the “goods” or at least the Renovians are the ones we are rooting for as they’ve had their magic stolen and have been oppressed for centuries and the “bads”, the Aphrasian who stole the source of magic while withholding the Deian Scrolls.

You follow two heroes as the book is told from a double POV.

Caledon or Cal is young but still a gifted assassin serving the queen of Renovia, aided by the Guilde.

Shadow is a young girl of eighteen, who has been trained secretly her whole life by her aunts and her mother, hoping to become a member of the Guilde.

I don’t want to spoil the plot or anything but as the blurb says, Cal and Shadow will have to face an unexpected danger that will end up with Cal killing someone and being sent to prison for it.

Shadow has been called to assist her mother at the palace but does not want to play the beautiful doll! She wants to be a warrior! To work for the Guilde and use magic!



She will ally with Cal and convince him to take her as an apprentice and work for the Queen.

And as in every fantasy you’ll have a mission, ordered by the Queen, putting them both in the line of danger.



This read was easy and entertaining yet some aspects were nagging at me, preventing me to give it 4 or 5 stars.



The good first: the action, the pace who prevents you to get bored, the plot itself and the surprises.



Now, my personal issues (keep in mind that this is a very personal opinion and that what bothered me might very well work splendidly for you)!

The characters bicker often and if I do love a good banter and hate-to-love story, they both sounded quite arrogant and young in their arguments. Of course they are only 18 and 19 so that can be the reason and I should probably be more indulgent. For once an author does not make her young characters talk and sound like adult. But it does not mean that I enjoyed it.

It bothered me that Shadow gave “lessons” to Cal in the beginning. He was supposed to be Renovia’s greatest assassin and being the most experienced, he should have been the one in charge. Now I confess that Shadow was quite stubborn and Cal hadn’t it easy to “direct” her. Let’s not forget that she saved him too.

She was not helpless she was not without gift but she was brash and reckless. Again, she was quite young and would probably learn patience with time and some experience.

What was missing for me was to really know Cal. I wanted more about his past, his psyche, some adventures he’d had and how they changed him. I am a character driven reader so that’s my own kryptonite.



I would also love more details about magic and history. Some more backstory about the founders of magic, maybe even some detailed information about past kings and queens. That’s not to say that we have no clue at all, just that I am greedy for more! :-D Maybe in the next instalment?



Last, something shocked me by the end. The decision Shadow made, how she intended to live her future life …did not sit well with me as it’s one of my pet peeves in books.



Now, once again, these are my personal feelings and issues. Melissa de la Cruz is still a seasoned author so don’t let this deter you from giving the book a chance and making your own mind about it.


Many thanks to G.P. Putnam and sons for gifting me this copy via Netgalley. It has no influence whatsoever on this review.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this ARC, but I could not bring myself to finish it; for that reason, I have not posted a review on Goodreads as I normally would. I felt the writing was poor, and the book doesn't seem to fit the current climate; it felt dated to me (circa early 2000's)-- especially in light of the current women's movement. I also felt it attempts to achieve too much; it was unnecessarily complicated and confusing-- and, to be clear, I am not one to shy away from complexity. I appreciate much of Melissa de la Cruz's other works, but this one was extremely disappointing. It is rare I do not finish a read, especially an ARC for review. I will not be purchasing this one for our library.

Solid addition to our YA fantasy romance section. Good writing, some nice twists. The theme of saving kingdoms/assassin romances have been popular, and we will give this book to patrons looking for something similar to the Throne of Glass or Kiss of Deception. A good read to help quench the thirst for more in this genre, but not so great that it will be the first book I hand over to get reader's into the genre, if that makes sense. Solid read.

I am a huge fan of Melissa de la Cruz and was very excited to get this advanced reader copy from netgalley. However, I was vastly disappointed by this book. The story and characters were inconsistent at best and completely uninspired and annoying at worst. I didn’t buy into the chemistry between our main characters (read: there was none) and every plot point seemed utterly contrived. Thanks, but it’s a pass for me.

The Queen's Assassin follows Princess Shadow and the queen's assassin Caledon (Cal) throughout an uprising in the Renovian kingdom. While I liked Shadow's independence and strength growing up with her aunts in a forrest away from the castle (very Aurora from Sleeping Beauty), I had a hard time falling into the universe. A good majority of the background in the world building happens in the prologue and the inciting incident that really begins the story feels like it is supposed to be a climactic moment. It lacks weight, however, because the reader jumps in too late. In general, I liked both of the characters somewhat but I didn't feel very invested in either of them or the story. There seemed to be too much telling and not enough showing which makes it hard to fall into a fantasy novel in this universe.

The Queen’s Assassin was my first Melissa de la Cruz book, and I enjoyed it a lot! I had a few issues with it:

I didn’t really like that one of the characters was written in first person and the other in third.

My other issue was also a personal one: It could have used more magic! Sometimes it felt that the focus was a little too much on the relationship between Shadow and Caledon.

That being said, I did love their relationship, I love multiple viewpoints, and overall I really liked this novel. I will definitely be reading the next part in the series as well.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

A fast paced adventure in which Shadow, the protagonist, encounters: royals, assassins, a secret guild, magic, family, and love.

Caledon’s father swore a blood oath to the queen of Renovia and it has passed to him. It will continue through his line until the oath is completed. The queen’s daughter, Lilac, has been raised by retired soldiers in a rural village and has taken the name Shadow. She has some magic but is not highly trained; she also has a crush on Caledon. When he is thrown into the worst dungeon, she makes plans to rescue him and tag along on his real mission. Together they travel to the neighboring kingdom, Montrice, to find those who are plotting war against Renovia.
The world-building is incomplete as this is the first of a series. Plenty of questions are left open, particularly the queen’s motives. Definitely for a less sophisticated reader (middle school) as it is fairly predictable. There is high-class flirting, and most likely off-page sex (a young reader wouldn’t catch it) and no swearing.