Vibes: exactly as promised (!) with
- found family and sacrifice
- on the softer side, not spicy, but still huge stakes
- forbidden romance that isn't instalove or too slow
- Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lovers vibes
- loveable main characters
- quiet (but cool) magic
- more positive/human take on fae
- political intrigue, and lots of not knowing who to trust

Verdict: pick this up if you're looking for a well-paced romantasy, with clean at times simple (not flowery) writing, a heroine whose power comes from determination and resilience (not fighting), a loveable MMC and a storm of political and ecological high stakes shenanigans

In a nutshell, this is a debut that really lives up to its promises.

So tight with no pacing issues, emotionally charged and high stakes but carefully balanced so the tension isn't too much and doesn't overpower the sweet romance as it develops. If you're looking for forbidden love with a lot of yearning this is definitely one to pick up. The writing is a bit plain at times but not unusual for a debut (much preferred to being too flowery imo!) and it doesn't detract from the chemistry at all.

Aelira is a princess who has had a lifetime of decisions made for her, and when she starts to learn things about herself and faces the opportunity to start taking control of her own life she leaps into an unfamiliar world head-first. I love that Aelira's strength is in her resilience, her desire to carve her own path, and her gentle but not weak nature - a welcome break from the more common warrior romantasy heroines.

With thanks to NetGalley, Onyx & Ink Press and the author, Brit Bryndell, for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story was good but the writing felt a bit...new. I feel the author is still trying to find thier voice and writing style but that is something that will come as they continue to write. I did enjoy the story though and will give this author another shot. 3.25 Stars