I went in expecting something intense and strategic because of the tournament and chess angle. What I did not expect was how emotional it would feel underneath all of that. It is quieter than I thought it would be, but in a way that really works.
The world feels atmospheric without being confusing. The fae elements are woven in naturally, and even if you are not a chess person, the games still feel tense and meaningful. You do not need to understand every move to understand what is at stake.
Shea is not perfect, and I loved that. She is driven and stubborn and carries so much weight on her shoulders. Sometimes she makes choices that hurt, but they always feel honest. You can feel how badly she wants to prove herself. That longing sits at the center of everything.
The slow build between her and Ciara is subtle but powerful. It is not loud or overly dramatic. It grows through shared moments and quiet tension. I found myself paying attention to the smallest interactions because there is so much unsaid between them. It feels earned.
More than anything, this story is about ambition and the cost of chasing something with your whole heart. It is about grief, pride, and learning what truly matters. That emotional thread is what stayed with me.
Overall, this felt thoughtful and layered but also very human. It is not just about winning a game. It is about who you become while trying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Never in my life did I think fae stories needed more chess but this was so great actually!! I saw the Cruel Prince comparisons and knew I needed to read this as soon as humanly possible and I’m sooooo glad to report it delivered. The start was a little rough and I was a little skeptical about the chess part (also because I am extremely bad at the game) but it pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go. The character development tugged at my heart and I loved watching the relationships grow. Shae and Ciara you have my heart foreverrrrrr. I loved this and I’m excited to see its release this August as I will definitely pick up a physical copy. More lesbian chess playing nerds please!!

Massive thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!