I really did enjoy this read. I found it to be a perfect starting fantasy series, especially for readers coming over from middle grade. I thought some of structure issues could have been a little bit clearer like when some event happen at the start of the series. I also really did like the focus of friendships in this novel. I thought the book had a compelling plot and characters, but points of this book had massive information dumps that sometimes took me out of the story but I really did like the plot and the characters and would read more by this author in the future. ( )

DNF at 15%. Maybe I’ll come back to it but for now I’ve got about 100 other books that I want to read this year and I can’t keep forcing myself through this one.

Fee, Rye and his brother Xavi grow up in a kingdom where magic is forbidden. Young Fee, under the watchful eye of the resident healer, Saava, sometimes shows extraordinary ability when growing plants and is cautioned to keep her talent hidden. The three friends grow up quickly and before you know it, Xavi is meeting his betrothed, princess Quinn. Very soon after Quinn arrives, Xavi falls ill and fingers point to Fee. But Fee knows it wasn’t her and she is determined to figure out who intended harm to Xavi and why.
I enjoyed this fantasy romance and felt that it came together in a very satisfactory way in the end. They do all live happily ever after. ( )

Author Shelly Sackier weaves a high fantasy world with magic, deception, and intriguing characters. Ophelia (“Fee”) is studying to be a healer in Fireli, a kingdom where plague rages, magic is forbidden, and certain bloodlines cannot mix. As a child, she had a magic ability to make plants grow. But her best friend and the crown prince, Xavi, has begged with her not to use her magic. Now Fee is betrothed to Xavi’s brother Rye, who was sent away to protect him from the plague. As the years' pass, Fee and Xavi remain in Fireli by continually taking the antidote, but Fee is convinced the plague is gone and does not always take hers. Her magic awakens as Xavi becomes ill to the point of death, and Fee is accused of poisoning her best friend. Imprisoned, she must convince Rye that she is innocent and her knowledge might save Xavi. But Xavi has been kidnapped by Princess Quinn, his fiancee, and taken to her kingdom with the mysterious healer Mistress Goodsong.

Intriguing characters keep the reader invested as Fee uncovers the secrets that oppressed her powers and kept her from knowing her true family. It is an enjoyable book that in my opinion could be the start of a series.

I feel the title isn’t fitting for the book though. I am curious to know if there were other choices. I thought the antidote that the characters take in the long run wasn’t the main focus and it just seemed off to me.

This was the author’s Shelley Sackier third book and would like to check out more titles by her. The Freemason’s Daughter looks promising. I think people who like Mercedes Lackey and Tamora Pierce will enjoy this book. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes
Level: Mid high school

Fee has been using the herbal remedies to help people, becuase she does not want anyone to know about her magic. If she is found out, they will eliminate her to get rid of magic in the world. But when her friend needs her help and the herbal remedies will not save him, she is forced to use her magic, which she hopes won't result in her demise. Pretty good book. It makes you think of friendships and what you would do to save a friend and how much your willing to risk to do that. ( )