This book finished before I was ready for it to end. I really like Kestra as the main character here. She is intense, stubborn, and sneaky, and I kind of liked how I had no clue what she was going to do next. This was a fast read, but it took me a while to get through it because it was an e-book, which I usually give second priority to after physical books.

The other thing I really like about this book is how evil the villain is. Lord Endrick is very wicked and the combination of magic and murder is interesting to me. I think his strategy-focused brain is going to be the core of the politics for the next book, which is a good setup. Kestra verses Lord Endrick. I honestly have no clue how she'll pull this off.

I felt like this book was a little too complicated for young readers, but those who could read and enjoy [b:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585683740l/12432220._SX50_.jpg|16221764] will also like this book. ( )

ok, truth is it didn't keep me interested or engaged. ( )

4.5*
This book is a pleasant mashup of betrayal, intrigue, romance, and action. Kestra goes from a pampered princess to a revolting rogue and I'm here for it! Nielsen does a wonderful job of world-building and she doesn't go overboard with the romance element. She gives you just enough to hope these two characters get their act together while secretly suspecting that all their lies will keep them apart. This was a captivating read and I can't wait to see how this story ends! ( )

Book one of a trilogy (?) - featuring an alternate world and a reluctant royal daughter of the controlling tribe called the Dallisors - ( )

Literary Merit: Very Good
Character Merit: Very Good
Reading Level: 6-9
Recommend: Yes
On her way home after three years of exile, Kestra Dallisor is kidnapped and forced to work with and for the resistance who are trying to remove her father and evil, tyrannous Lord Endrick from power. Kestra's intellect, courage, determination, and years of physical training help her fare better than the rebels anticipate as she searches for the Olden Blade, a dagger which people claim has the power to kill Lord Endrick . While Kestra's mission is dangerous enough, her feelings for Simon, a boy she had sent to his death years ago, further complicate the plot. Full of deception, plotting, and betrayal, this fantasy novel will keep readers turning the pages to learn if Kestra can outsmart her father, Lord Endrick, and the rebels.The strong, clever female protagonist and romance will appeal to female readers. The romance is light enough to be middle grade appropriate. ( )