Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.
A fugitive prince.
When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.
A too-cunning bodyguard.
Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own? (Goodreads)
This book caught my eye while perusing the YA book section, and I have no regrets about buying it. So, let’s get right into the review, shall we?
First of all, the concept found in this book is so interesting. It plays with the idea of caste systems and marries it with magic in a way I’ve never seen before. This book tends to have a higher understanding of social politics that tends to be non-existent or rare in YA fantasy. The depiction of this world feels real, and not much is held back from the reader about the horrors of real life and the power disparity seen in caste systems. The book, if you haven’t been able to infer, is definitely much more plot-driven than character-driven as the characters are pretty set in their ways and are all naturally flawed.. If anything, the secondary characters are the ones that grow and change the most. Then again, I wouldn’t expect much character development from a story that takes place in such a short lapse of time.
There aren’t many downsides to this book in my opinion. There are a few, and for some they may be more serious but for me, they are more nitpicky. There are times where the story seems slow, and the writing feel a little clunky. But other than that, I don’t really have any complaints.
I recommend this book and am looking forward to the upcoming sequel. I’m hopeful that this will end up being a very good series.
Subjective Rating
Objective Rating
Final Rating
Geek Declassified 