The synopsis of this book which markets it at fans of ACOTAR, one of my favourite series, catapulted it right to the top of my TBR list, so I was delighted when I was approved for an ARC. My satchel is heavy with my stolen goods, and I clutch it to my side so it won’t clang against my hip as I race out of the vault. I lift the starworm off my wrist, gasping as it fights me, trying for more blood. Brie needs to gain and hold their trust, whilst taking liberties and remain undetected in her mission.

Sebastian is charismatic, charming, and bashful. But we also see glimpses of him as a manipulator, and cruel. He’s an interesting one, that’s for sure, because we see so many different sides to him. Reading in Brie’s POV means we’re unable to see “behind the scenes” and know his true intentions. But I love that pieces of it shine through. Particularly at the end of the book. Holy moly, I’m impressed. tv announcer type voice. very dramatic stuff* Are YOU looking to be left with goosebumps after a certain chapter make you squeal at 1am when you were supposed to be sleeping? Are YOU sure you don't like love triangles? Because half of the time they're annoying but just this once, they actually worked, okay? Well, fear no more! This is definitely NOT the book for you. I wish I could say that, sadly, this is the exact book you were probably looking for.Nik squeezes her eyes shut. “This world is so screwed up.” There’s no way Fawn can hear us unless she’s listening at the door, but Nik lowers her voice anyway. “I have a friend who could give you work.” I push inside, and Fawn startles. “Shh. It’s just me, baby,” I whisper, sinking to my haunches. “Where’s your mama?” Ahora, la cosa es que la única manera que tiene Brie de entrar a la corte de los Seelie es pretender ser una de las posibles novias del príncipe Ronan, que van a tener acceso al palacio durante un tiempo, pues la familia real le está buscando esposa. Al mismo tiempo, Brie se alía con una banda de rebeldes Unseelie, liderada por Finn, y trabajan juntos para recuperar esas reliquias. Poco a poco, Brie se va a ver envuelta en una especie de romance que no se esperó, tanto con Finn como con el príncipe Ronan, que además oculta un secreto que, cuando sale a la luz, cambia por completo la vida de Brie. Better than nothing,” say so many who support the Seven. “It’s a start.” Or worse, “If people don’t want to be sold to the fae, they shouldn’t take on so much debt.”

Nik stares at me for a long beat, and in her eyes I see her desperation warring with her fear for me. Finally she pulls me into her arms and squeezes me tight. “I’ll repay you. Someday. Somehow. I swear it.” But of course there are many complications and a rebel group lead by the Unseelie Prince and trying to guard her heart from the two ~seductive~ Princes, etc, etc. We open the story with Brie, who is a thief trying to keep her small family afloat. When her debts become too large, her little sis is sold to the fae. Pushing aside her hatred of the fae, Brie gets herself in the faerie court where she discovers: a secret about a long-time friend (and herself), that she suddenly has magic, and that the fae are manupulative creatures, as well as a little bit hot and charming.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

The romance in this book was only okay, and it even felt a little bit immature at times. I just didn’t feel the real heat, chemistry, or sexual tension between Brie and Ronan, even when things got more intense and Brie wanted their relationship to move to the next step, I didn’t feel anything real between them. But then again, part of the awkwardness ends up being justified later in the book so it does make sense, but it was still weird to read. There was also a kind of possible love triangle between Brie, Ronan, and Finn, but it was clear from the very beginning who Brie loved, and who she wanted to choose, so there was no real competition between love interests, even when it was hinted that Brie might be developing feelings for the second potential love interest. Besides that, her attraction to Ronan seemed a little shallow to me. I get that she'd known him for two years and that he’s been the steady friend she’s been relying on, and I understand how that creates a strong bond, but even if she mostly talks about how gorgeous he is, and how she gets butterflies in her stomach when she looks at him, I didn’t really feel their deep emotional connection. As the story progresses, the characters begin to step into morally grey territory to my relief. One of my pet peeves are for characters to turn into a bunch of Mary Sues and Gary Stus. I pad down the stone stairwell into the cellar. The temperature drops with each step, but my skin is flushed from adrenaline and the climb over his property walls, and I welcome the chill that skates across my skin. It’s hardly credible that Brie accepted the bond after spending years steadfast in her decision of not to be a slave or controlled by anyone. As much love as she felt, it all felt very convenient, and it wasn’t convincing. TLDR: With its captivating plot, fantastical setting, and well-crafted love triangle, this is the perfect read for when you feel like escaping from reality for a spell.

This was honestly a pretty fun read!! 🤩🤩 it definitely had its issues (I could not with the mc 🙈) and it wasnt super original, but it was really entertaining 🫶🫶 I enjoyed the world building and the setting though, I would’ve like more of it. Hopefully it’ll be explored further in the next book which, after reading that spectacular Sarah J.Mass-worthy ending, I’ll be impatiently awaiting. All I can say is—WOW!

The gates to the front are wide-open, and though my weary muscles beg me to take that easy exit, I can’t risk it. I pull the rope from my satchel and toss it over the perimeter wall of Gorst’s property. The fibers bite into my chapped hands, and my arms scream with each pull to the top. Overall, this book is not so bad, but it is a little cliché and flat at times. Still, with that ending (which was quite abrupt honestly), I can't help but want to read the next book, especially since I expect more drama, angst, and scheming in the next book and those are my weaknesses. I am also hoping for more Finn in the next book and the conclusion of the book gives me hope that the next one is going to be much better. The plot had a lot of potential, and I really loved the whole scheming part when we couldn't be sure about Finn's or Ronan's true intentions, and we didn't know who to trust until the very end, but overall the story could have been better. The world-building is basic, but there are evil creatures such as banshees, sluarghs, and barghests, and also some magic, so I actually don’t really have any complaint about it. It is face-paced, but until the last fourth of the book, I felt that nothing really important happens and there was no big revelation keeping me really hooked. Dear Finn. Deadly Finn. What a villain you are and yet a pure cinnamon roll. I really liked the Finn moments we got to see because whilst he has his own agenda, I feel we got to see more of what’s underneath than we did with Sebastian. I’m really hoping we get to see more!