I am very fortunate I couldn't get into this book. I loved the premise of the book but, I couldn't get into it.

This book follows Elysia, a magically cursed girl, in the country of Kava where the cost of being magically cursed is death. Elysia has played a role, with her father, in bringing out "justice" to those who possess magic since she was a child and her father discovered her ability to find out people's secrets. She and the crown prince of Kava, Topp, have an ongoing love affair with each other, and the kingdom expects them to one day rule together. When Elysia's magic starts changing as she gets older, her life with the prince gets more complicated. Elysia isn't the only one keeping deadly secrets in the dark romantacy.

This drew me in from just the description alone. Elysia is fiercely independent. Because of the situations she is put in, it is hard to know whether to side with her or not. Her upbringing is rather graphic and I definitely do feel for her either way. The one thing I wish for was a bit more description of her magic to make sure I understood it completely. I was very weary of her love interest, especially knowing he may be her demise. I can't really tell you whether that opinion changed or not without giving spoilers. It was interesting to see the web of lies between the two though. I have questions about the ending and really hope this is setting us up for a second book. 🙏

Thank you Caitlyn and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an arc.

Thank you NetGalley and Caitlyn for allowing me the absolute pleasure of reading this book!

I could not put this down and I read it in two days, I needed answers, I wanted to spend time with the characters and I was absorbed by the world 🫡

This is one of the best books in this genre I have read for a while. The focus was definitely on the fantasy element and I was completely captivated by Elysia's journey. She's morally grey, she's strong and I laughed out loud so many times with some of the dialect between her and multiple other characters. The way the author weaves together a rustic fantasy setting with modern feeling characters was *chefs kiss*.

The magic was intriguing and elusive, I hope we get more information and demonstrations in future books 👀 I genuinely could not tell at points which way the plot was going to go, I had no idea who to trust and my nerves were in tatters.

Although there is a certain point towards the end of the book where you sort of know what the ending is going to look like, the way it was delivered had me out of my seat and gasping for more.

ALSO LINA 😍 iykyk

What a great start to a new Romantic Fantasy series. Add this one to your list!

The people who live in Kava have either lost their magic, or are hiding the magic that lies within them from the Crown. Anyone found using magic or suspected of it is executed. Elysia Parker has hid her magic her entire life, using her abilities secretly only to assist the Crown in pushing their agenda. But her ongoing relationship with the Crown Prince might make hiding her magic next to impossible. And what about when the God of Death becomes involved?

The world building in Book 1 of Romantasy novels can sometimes be daunting, however, I feel like the author did a good job of not overwhelming us. We got a good cast of side characters, and I’m eager to see where the author takes them.

And that cliffhanger? Epic!! I’m itching for Book 2!

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

I received this book as an ARC and absolutely loved it.

The story follows a young woman who has to find the secrets of the capital in order to appease her father and keep herself alive. Since she has magic, which is forbidden in the realm, she does what she must in order to survive.

I enjoyed the FMC and found her character arc to very thoroughly rewarding. Her relationship with her sister was enjoyable as it progressed and I liked the friendships she developed along the way.

While the situation was her love interest seemed to be slightly predictable, I liked the banter and realism in her love and feelings as she navigates her troubles.

I predicted the ending but loved it anyways and cannot wait for the next book!