Lyriana was so likeable it made it very enjoyable to take on the story from her POV. The girl is smart, strong, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. We see 2 conflicting love interests for Lady Lyr, and it just pulls you even further into the story, as she continues to find herself and what she really wants - which you can see beginning to develop with how she approaches these relationships. Spice : 2/5 there were some good little spice scenes but I am assuming more will come in book two. I was just BEGGING for a kiss between two specific characters or spice between these two SPECIFIC CHARACTERS and IDEK how I am going to wait for this next book. The way I felt about this book at the beginning and the way I feel now that I finished it is not even remotely close to one another. I loved it with every piece of my heart and I need the next book already!

For fans of ACOTAR another T vs R set up with same initials and everything, hardly reinventing the wheel here altho there is an added dimension of teacherXapprentice no romance allowed vibes - but with Mercurials hints I've a feeling I know how they're going to get around this 🤔 Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including: I had lots of fun, though, and overall, I think I've found a new favorite author and a new favorite series. The world building was so unique. *chef's kiss* In my mind, I think the world was like if Atlantis crossed over with ancient Egypt, with seraphim, gryphons, and an assortment of other magical characters. Frankie Mallis is a maestro at building tension and constantly throwing her main character into hot water. Every time I thought I could take a breath and see Lyr overcome something, a particularly nasty plot twist happened. The world building was phenomenal with hints of both Egyptian and Roman influences as well as a well-defined and thought-out history, mythology, and magic system. There are libraries, magical beings and half-beings, political intrigue, heart-pounding action scenes, and lots and lots of lore (which I feel we have only just dipped our toes into) all skillfully woven into a narrative that won’t let you go.

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It is an ambitious book. Sometimes I felt it had more on it’s plate than it could deal with and the pacing is a little unconventional but in the end, it all helped to shape the character arcs. Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic.

There are some really interesting storyline’s to do with guilt & pressure & I loved seeing how that can manifest with feeling tied to someone (Tristan) & look forward to seeing how this will all play out. My ebook's map is so tiny, stretched and approximate I had to take a master in topology to understand a single thing I was seeing. Didn't work. I really, REALLY liked this! I loved Lyr so much, and she reminded me of Feyre and Jude a little (high praise from me). I loved her relationship with her sisters and how protective she is of them—that was the bit that reminded me of Feyre the most. I think this book might just become one of my soft and fuzzy comfort books. Rhyan’s tenderness is catchy.Rhyan: stop I love him so much. Caring and protective, he hides his kind side under a cold exterior. but honestly I love him so much ahhhhhhh Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor’s brutal test of strength—all without magic.

No better place to begin than pointing out that this book was downright fantastic. I consumed it. Or, rather, it consumed me. Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor’s brutal test of strength, without magic. I was not ready for this masterpiece! This book needs all the hype!!! Like shout it from the rooftops, display a full on bat signal. The world needs to know about this book!!!The world-building is very messy and the lore undeniably confusing; again, this is costructive criticism, not plain critique.