Thank you Harper Collins Quill Tree books for the Arc!

This is a story of a dystopian world where war rages between a clan and a city. An unlikely romance starts between Tristan and Isadora when her life if on the line. The sacrifice Tristan makes in order to save her life goes beyond measure. This story really pulled at my heart strings. I watched as young love blossomed into a beautiful bond between magic. This magic system is unlike any others so far, and I wish I could read this story again for the first time. Melissa’s writing has such a way of drawing you in immediately, and paints such vivid scenes.

Thank you to HarperCollins Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺'𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 is a dystopian Tristan and Isolde reimagining written for avid readers of YA fantasy. It's full of tension and yearning, featuring an intimate and romantic magic system, and I absolutely ate it up.

Set 30 years after the destruction of the Republic, an eighteen-year-old healer, Isadora, runs toward danger to protect her fellow clansmen as they fight against the Kingsland, a settlement she believes to be vicious. She encounters Tristan, and while hoping to solve her problems by delivering him to her father as a prisoner, she is shot by a poisoned arrow.

Tristan saves her life using his magic, and Isadora's world view is challenged as she heals in Kingsland, bound to Tristan and under the care of his people. Her goal is to escape, stealing knowledge and delivering hope for her clan upon her return. However, as her feelings develop for Tristan and she adjusts to her newfound freedoms, the clear path forward begins to blur.

I've been eager for more dystopian stories to emerge amongst the many currently popular romantasy titles, and this book satisfied my expectations! I enjoyed the characters, and I was invested in the story. Over time, I don't expect it to stand out in my mind as overly unique or groundbreaking, but it's entertaining and fun!