This novel is, in a good way, odd. It's a quiet story about a girl who becomes a young woman, and sees the court and some people for what they truly are. She goes every summer to Castle Auburn only to see her life draining away with the political machinations and the misery her sister is trapped in.

There's no action and barely any romance in it. The "romance" is particular as it falls into the 'this-man-loves-me-but-I'm-completely-oblivious-to-it' category. What's even more strange is that we're not sure who the love interest is until a certain point, and even then the author makes us doubt. The author almost teases us with a love triangle that is not really one but from which the outcome satisfies the reader. Clearly, Coriel's point of view is well done, considering we are as much in a fog as she.

I love the characters. They're charming. Coriel is good, innocent, well-loved and resourceful. She's a bit stubborn too. Her relationship with her sister, the guards, her male friends and even her rivalry with Milette are great.

The ending is satisfying. It leaves me with a warm feeling.