It takes at least 100 pages for me to be engrossed into a book and I was giddy even before page 100!!! The characters are interesting and there is so much mystery I’m excited to have resolved in the next book!

Well this was a fast paced read for me, I really enjoyed the magic system in the story and thought the plot was interesting and I just wanted to read more and more. The characters were fun and I have a soft spot for Riot i must admit!

A fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and it's publisher for the opportunity to.read this e-arc. This is my honest opinion.

It's a very fun,quick read, it's dark has exiled witches and a selection for a queen. It isn't cut throat like many other book series has and not really a big part of the story which I like it's more about finding her friend. The world itself is slowly being built and you jump right in to the story. The FMC chemistry with the love interest is amazing and I hope to see more of it in the next books. Super easy "lighter" dark romantasy read.

Wow! This book was different than I expected. I enjoyed how her magic is so different from any other book I have read. This was a very creative twist on magic as a whole.

I enjoyed the fact that she was able to hold her head high and stay so strong during everything that she was going through. She was able to play the part of a bar maid and a lady in waiting, all to reach goals.

I do think that there was a part in this where the author changed her mind on who she was to fall for.. The random meeting of him in the woods to when she was in the castle and found out who he really was, it is like his personality changed.. I found him to be enduring and somewhat captivating when she met him in the bar, but after that, I was annoyed by him. He ignores her ad then when he is with her it is nothing but sweet promises..

I do think that the guard is a better option for her. He not only tests her boundaries to gain her trust but he also takes the time to look after her. Even though it is all under the pretense that it's what the prince would want.

There are little things that bothered me, besides being left on a huge cliff hanger and not getting any answers... There are too many unknowns... will she finally have her revenge? Will the prince find out? Will the brutal King make an actual appearance? Can we get the answer on if Riot has actually killed a Cerise? how does Riot know so much about her? Why can she not sense Bash?

I feel like the story went great lengths, but nothing was really discovered that makes sense.. I am hoping that there is more than one more book coming.. I don't think everything could be tied up in one more book.

I am giving it four stars though. It is creative, there is lots of action, and it keeps you hooked on the story. So much so that I want to be a Cerise.. Are there more Daughters of legend to be introduced in the next book to make up all of the elements? One can hope.

This was a fun and intriguing read that had me turning the pages and now hanging on by a thread to that cliffhanger. The Cerise, natural born redheads, are thought by the Kingdom to all be witches, thus aren’t well trusted and often killed. The FMC, Khiara, is a Cerise blessed with coveted magic even she is not experienced with. The book description is pretty much spot on with how this book starts, but there’s some surprising twists throughout and we see Khiara’s magic grow throughout the book.

There are two love interests in the book, and I won’t go into detail on them as to avoid spoilers, but the tension is steamy! Is it bad I kind of want the sequel to be a why-choose Romantasy?

Overall, I liked the premise of the book and the elemental magic system that we keep learning about. The story picks up and it becomes hard to put down. My criticism would be that the writing was a bit too fast paced leading to choppiness here and there. The author introduced a lot of plot holes that we may or may not see resolved thus making this read lack some cohesiveness. The characters and side characters lacked a bit of interest and depth, but perhaps we will see growth or more execution with that in the next book. Despite those few things, I still really enjoyed the book and it was a quicker read. I’ve already preordered book 2 and hope to also get to read the ARC for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bailey Black for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

While this book had an interesting premise, it failed to truly capture me at any point. Overall, I got through it, and it had a few saving graces. I would definitely give the sequel a try because now I'm invested.

First, the things I liked:
- a great fantasy premise based on magic on the four elements: earth, air, water, fire.
- dark magic vs. light magic, good vs. evil
- a reluctant male love interest.

Now, what didn't work for me:
- this book is written in first person and her thoughts often ramble so much I don't know where we originally started. Also, she seems young at times and old at others - I don't think we ever find out her true age.
- I never had a chance to truly connect with the FMC in order to root for her. From the start, we were off on a trail of intrigue and murder and I only ever learned the basics of the heroine's life and how her journey had gotten her to where she was.
- somehow, the romance was rushed and yet dragged out. Only after I was about halfway through did I remember it was first in a series, but there was little connection between the MC and her three (possible) love interests.
- MC went back and forth so much I felt like I was getting whiplash. She would say one thing and do another. Again, it just made it difficult for me to get a grasp on who she was supposed to be.
- so many incongruencies between setting and dialogue. Liberal use of modern swearing (You're pissed off), but she's wearing petticoats and corsets. The men are in soft leather breeches and boots, but the MC wears a dress with "spaghetti straps." There's also some kind of electric light source where characters switch on a light when entering the room. It was like a medieval fantasy with modern conveniences.
- everyone dying with very little fanfare. Like, people are dropping DEAD and everyone's like "oops, let’s get them off the dance floor."
- the single sex scene in the book. It seemed.....unrealistic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this e-book for my honest review.

I got to read this book for free from Netgalley for an honest review. I was overall excited and interested when I read the plot summary, Unfortunately the book did not quite hit the mark for me. Throughout the read I was confused on the multiple plots being presented and the storyline wasn't cohesive. The romance was 'meh' and I felt no strong connection to either one of the love interests. My final issue with the book is the wording/phrasing. I felt like the phrasing was at times strange and took me out of the world.

I think if the plot was more cohesive and the characters personalities were more developed this book would have had a higher rating, but unfortunately it fell flat. However, I hope that Bailey Black continues to pursue her passion for writing and continues to develop and hone her craft!

I was pretty much lost in the sauce until I was about halfway into the book and by then there were so many plot holes I just could not get into the story. I loved the concept but the characters fell flat for me - just no personality or character development.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc - will I read the second book? Maybe just to see if any of my questions are answered.
#justiceforsage

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the arc of this book!
To say this book confused me but had me gripped is an understatement. This book moved in such a fast pace for only taking place in a week. At times I felt it hard to keep up with what was happening and if anything I feel I am left with more questions than I started with.
However, will I be reading the second book? Absolutely.
The characters I presumed I wouldn’t like had depth and left me with questioning their motives leading me to wonder why. The ending of the book was a great cliffhanger but knowing I have to wait until November is hard!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book

I am sorry in advance!

Well I have a lot of things to say about this, and unfortunately most of them are not positive.

The good things:
- The story becomes quite interesting after the first few chapters are over
- The magic system has the potential to be really interesting if another book comes out, I would be interested to see how it develops
- Good set up for the next book
- Interesting ending!

To point out a few of the major things that made me not really love it:
- The main story only really starts to pick up halfway through the book
- There are so many interesting things brought up that kind of felt like they were forgotten about and plotpoints that could've been exploited more to drive the story home
- The sidekick characters genuinely just felt like they were there to drive the plot with no personality or interesting story of their own
- The main character gives me whiplash with how she oscillates between emotions and thoughts
- A lot of tell, not show, which eventually became quite the drag to read unfortunately

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, both fantasy but also dystopian. As soon as it said it was for those who love the “blood and ash” series I knew it would be a hit for me. I read this in two sittings over two days as I couldn’t stop! Very well done!

Our main character is a Cerise (someone with magical powers) named Khiara whose life mission is to get revenge on those who have killed her family. While getting into some trouble, with her best friend Ezra, she finds herself entering a culling to potentially become the next queen in order to save him. Some things she does are impulsive and you want to question her why?! but, it didn’t take away from how strong of a female character she is. She is relatable and frankly a badass and I can’t wait to learn more about her and the array of powers she has.

There are two love interests introduced, Bash (the Prince) and Riot (Bash’s personal guard). I wouldn’t be upset with whom she ends up with and I’m curious how these relationships will develop in book two. She has chemistry with both and different relationships with both but I definitely have a favorite (ahem Riot).

The world building was very well done and I could picture everything perfectly in my mind while reading, and loving, every page. While I love a cliffhanger I also hate them at the same time as I can’t stand waiting for the next one. But I’m SO looking forward to the next release.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this e-arc and opportunity to read and review a fantastic book.

All I can say is wow.

I read this entire book in one night I was sucked in from the first chapter. The plot is captivating and the pacing is just perfect.

I found myself giggling and kicking my feet like a teenage girl and that’s exactly what I want when I read a book.

Our FMC is witty and charming and just a blessing to read about. I can’t even describe how much I loved her.

I’m so sad I have to wait for the next book.

Firstly, the cover is eye-catching and immediately draws you in. I agree that it definitely has a sense of From Blood and Ash about it (one of my favourite series). A strong FMC is also nice and refreshing. Looking forward to reading the next one.

This was a great book. I loved the setting and the plot. If you loved the selection books as a teen I think you will live this book.

I really liked the book. It was quite interesting with all the world building and the lore. Definitely a nice read.

The selection vibes were also a nice touch. Definitely give this a try if you're into quick fantasy reads.

It did feel a bit rushed and slow at times. So the pacing could've been done better.

My only issues: Khiara tried to act too much like Poppy from FBAA and like her, didn't show that she has fighting skills. All the men are so creepy and disgusting. The best friend uncle, the king, the prince, his guard..every single one of them is gross. Is there no normal man in this story? The Bash-Khiara-Riot thing was a bit icky. The cheating, the lying..ew.

But overall, its a nice short fantasy novel you can finish in one sitting.

dnf at 55%

I think the story has potential and the concept is intriguing. However, the pacing just felt all over the place, and a lot of things were not making sense. From the beginning the reader is left with a lot of questions, setting the story up for answers as we read more. A lot of those set ups were still unanswered halfway through the story, to the point where it seemed as though it was forgotten about.
I do think with maybe a bit more editing the story could flow a lot better, for me personally it just wasn't working.

I am HOOKED! This book has a captivating plot, lovable characters, and amazing tension. A must read for any fans of JLA’s From Blood and Ash. With so many questions left unanswered, I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I loved the world building and the entire dystopian concept of this book.

It was really interesting to read about the Cerise and how the red haired were considered abnormal and dangerous in this world. I do think that the fmc Khiara was too impulsive at times which was infuriating as she kept chasing trouble and falling into it.

The author added two love interests, but this is not a love triangle as towards the end Khiara gravitated more towards one person. I would have preferred the romance to be between her and Bash rather than Riot as it didn't feel too realistic. Riot was too hot and cold with her. At first, he hated her, so I found it hard to believe feelings being developed between them so fast.

Apart from the romance, everything else was spot on and I definitely plan on reading the next book whenever its published.

Some of my spoilery thoughts on different chapters has been posted in my Goodreads review as we can't use spoilers here.

The only reason this book didn’t get a full five stars is because I found myself a little lost a couple of times, but otherwise, it has everything I want in a book. Enemies to lovers. Unexplainable connections. Magic. Corrupt royalty and a competition for the prince’s hand.

But man… I do not know who to trust! Khiara is a bad ass but what is going on with these men??? I don’t know who is the bad guy, if we’ve got a love triangle going on, or why she has these far off memories of people she hasn’t even met before. And now I have to wait until NOVEMBER???? Not fair. This is so good.
Riot, Bash, Jinx… is it safe to love any of you? I NEED TO KNOW. New favorite fantasy story unlocked.

Honestly... this book has left me so confused.
The main character is such a mess of emotions it's frustrating.
The plot felt like it went nowhere and finally when we were getting somewhere the book ends.