Well constructed kingdom adjacent to ours with magical creatures and a delicately balanced hierarchy. I appreciated that this was not the typical trope of suddenly finding you are heir to the throne of a kingdom you didn't know anything about upon the death of the ruler. MJ was raised knowing who and what her parents were, and knowing the future expectations for her. I did not like her as a person at first. She was about to have so much responsibility, yet she blew off learning of the land, the history and culture, yet had confidence that the role was hers without question. But she faced adversity in her studies, her relationships, and her ascension to the throne, and this just hardened the steel that makes her a great leader. The treachery is sad, but the time from MJ's notification of her Father's death to her accepting the crown was emotional as she becomes the Princess denoted by her title. This story drew me in and I finished it in one sitting. Although the cliffhanger at the end was not a surprise to me, I do look forward to seeing how this twist resolves.

This book was a really fun read, especially since I’m half Filipina! The attention given to all of the folklore and phrases in the language was amazing. It might’ve felt a bit like she was younger than the age she was meant to be at times, but she also spent a lot of her life on the run, unable to become accustomed to a usual childhood. I can’t wait to read further into this series!! (Though I will say this grossed me out at points with all the beetles haha clearly not an outdoorsy gal)