I reacted audibly on multiple occasions.

This is a lengthy book, but the story is so layered and has so much depth that I found myself not wanting it to end.

The story is told from three perspectives: 1) Raoden, the likeable and level-headed prince who is in line for his great-businessman-but-terrible-leader of a father's throne, 2) Sarene, a princess from a neighboring kingdom and Raoden's fiance, who finds confidence in her intelligence and political savvy, rather than her beauty and general likability, and 3) Hrathen, a by-the-book religious leader intent on converting the people to his harsh and domineering religion by any means possible.

The world-building is immersive, and the character arcs are incredible. I enjoyed that the overall plot wasn't focused on "good guys vs bad guys," but the healing of a broken city from multiple perspectives. I'm so glad I finally read this book!