I read this book with no clue and information about the plot. I went in blind and hope for the best which I was glad I wasnt disappointed.

To the readers of the trilogy for sure you’re familiar with the writing style of the author but still fair warning because this book is not for the faintest of heart. There are child abuse, rape, molestation and drug abuse involved. There are also gruesome fight scene that is well written it makes you paint a clear image.

This story is about Kelsea’s mother Elyssa Raleigh where she met Gareth who disguised himself as a Guard in the Keep but he is part of a rebellion which they called themselves Blue Horizon they’re against the throne and they proclaim a prophecy that Elyssa is the True Queen in which she would finally end the nightmare that is happening in the Creche and the famine and drought that is spreading across her Kingdom. Carol one of the Guard in the Keep met and eventually recruited (long story cut short) an underground boxing fighter in the tunnels of the Creche named Christian also known as Lazarus and also Mace (i know so many names) and alongside with other Guards and Elyssa’s close handmaid I forgot her name they would play a big role in the story. Aislinn is a Tennant in one of Lady Andrew’s lands and reading her rebel against the the noble was thrilling. It’s the constant battle of Elyssa’s obligation to the throne or her heart’s desire to do the right thing.

The tone and ambience of the setting gives me the Game of Thrones vibes. I have read this weeks ago and it took some days to pinpoint what is the word I’m looking for that is holding me back to give this book a solid 5 stars because there are moments where I gasped out loud, paused for a few minutes to regain my bearings and be sad like ache in my heart sad. But still I give it a four because there is a shadow of a doubt that is truly holding me back but nonetheless this is a brilliant, gut wrenching and engaging book. I may check the trilogy out to see if Kelsea is the True Queen.