Posts Tagged 'betrayal'

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic

Published November 7, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Lovett is a silkwitch, which means she has magical powers in the strands of her hair. Each silkwitch is different and Lovett’s ability is that she can open any door no matter what. Lovett has been on her own awhile and gets by by stealing from the rich and hiding in the shadows so no one realizes she is an unwed silkwitch. If she does not find a weaver husband she will be forced to work in the cloisters. One day she walks into a trap set by the son of a weaver, Eliot Lear. Eliot offers Lovett an appealing offer. She must join the vainglory, or competition for the prince to find a bride. It is only for silkwitches since the prince must marry a silkwitch in order to maintain the family power. There was a vainglory the year before that ended in tragedy when Eliot’s sister was suddenly killed. He wants Lovett to infiltrate the competition to find out what really happened to his sister and in return he promises he will find her a suitable match so that she never has to go to the cloisters. Lovett isn’t used to being the one getting played, but ultimately agrees since this could save her future. Once she gets to the castle everything seems darker and more sinister. The prince is nice enough but the King is very intimidating and seems to predict her every move. Can Lovett find out what happened to Eliot’s sister without being found out for who she truly is? Will she manage to escape the cloisters? Will the prince take a liking to Lovett, which would be problematic because he doesn’t know who she truly is or what her motives are?

This fantasy story is exciting and has many twists and turns as Lovett gets deeper into this wealthy world. The other silkwitches all have secrets and special abilities just like Lovett which makes it hard to know who is telling the truth and who has ulterior motives as well. Eliot is an interesting character too. He clearly wants to know the truth about what happened to his sister, but it seems there are other secrets he is keeping as one of those closest to the prince. Meanwhile, Lovett finds there are many secrets to be unearthed in the castle, but it doesn’t take long before she gets warnings to stop digging or else. Readers will want to see more from these characters. Recommended for fantasy readers, especially fantasy romance readers.

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

Published September 23, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Every year a select group of young ladies goes to Paris for the elite La Danse Debutantes Ball. This year one of the debutantes faces a scandal and must withdraw, which leaves the ball organizers scrambling. That is until they see an article in a magazine about a young scientist taking the world by storm with her new invention. They decide to break the tradition of only inviting wealthy, famous debutantes and take a chance on Piper Woo Collins. Piper has recently been dealt a setback when the benefactor of her college scholarship pulls his funding due to a disagreement with the university. As much as she would love to go to Paris, her late mother’s dream, she can’t afford school let alone a trip to Paris. The owner of the ball agrees to pay for her trip and her first year of school if she comes and doesn’t bring any bad headlines. Meanwhile, Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of a rockstar and movie star, is feeling the pressure to be named Debutante of the Year even though she couldn’t care less about the title. When her and Piper get stuck rooming together she can’t help but feel bad for Piper who was thrust into this world very unexpectedly. As they start to get closer, however, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Piper in the competition. Can Piper figure out who is trying to sabotage her before it’s too late? Will Chapin ever get over the fact that Piper and her older brother clearly have chemistry? Will Chapin ever find common ground with her mother?

Fans of The Selection and Project Runway will enjoy this title set in a modern day setting. The fashion and glamour of Paris is on full display along with all the drama that would come from a highly publicized debutante ball. The book has a nice combination of old school expectations for the young women, while also acknowledging their very modern and aspirational dreams. The relationship between Chapin and her mother is very relatable to many readers as they try to get on the same page while also not offending the other. Piper’s situation is also relatable as college costs keep rising and becoming an issue for many young people. This was a fun, exciting, and unique story that will pull in readers and leave them wanting to know more about these characters.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Published September 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Jet is a 27 year old woman who is still trying to find her path in life. In the meantime, she is living with her parents and trying not to fight with her brother too much on how he is running the family business. Jet does suffer from a kidney condition that she inherited from her father and lately, she has noticed that his symptoms seem to be getting worse. On the night of the Halloween carnival, Jet returns home early to an empty house and is attacked from behind by someone who had been waiting for her. She is struck three times in the head with a hammer and left for dead. She does not die, but after waking up many hours later she learns that the hammer damaged her skull in a way that an aneurysm will kill her in less than a week. She realizes she has the rare opportunity to solve her own murder and sets out to do so with her good friend and longtime neighbor. As her symptoms start to worsen, she becomes more frantic to find out why someone would want her dead. Can she solve her murder before it is too late? Are there other shady things going on with her family that will also come to light? Can she ever find peace with the fact that her life was cut so short?

This mystery story is every bit as exciting as Holly Jackson’s other titles. As Jet investigates she finds out so many secrets that those around her never wanted to come to light. She also slowly starts to realize that she could not trust many of the people she has known for years, which is very disheartening to learn. The ending is fresh and exciting and will leave readers surprised (and that is saying something considering some of Jackson’s other titles). There are a few people introduced quickly at the beginning that can get confusing to keep straight, but ultimately each character has a purpose. Highly recommended for fans of mystery authors such as April Henry and Harlan Coben.

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman

Published July 1, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Amy and her best friend, Sarah, have been looking forward to senior year (and more specifically) the week prior to the rest of the students coming where they get to set up their room, go to parties, etc. Things don’t go as planned, however, when Amy wakes up to find Sarah and her boyfriend stabbed to death in Sarah’s room. Quickly, things spiral out of control as Amy must account for how she could have slept through such terrible murders while she was in the same suite. Meanwhile, Liz, the outcast newspaper editor wants to be the first to break the story, but finds herself blocked everywhere she turns. She has never felt more like the scholarship kid/outsider than she does as she watches everyone close ranks around these terrible events. Eventually, Amy and Liz decide to try to work together in order to find out what truly happened that fateful night. Can they find out the truth? Will they ever find anyone who can truly be trusted? How well did Amy really know her best friend?

This mystery story is fast paced and exciting all the way through. The setup is described well so it is believable how this could have happened while Amy was so close by. The motivations of all the characters are also understandable and it is easy to see why it takes so long for all of the pertinent facts to come out. Senior year carries a lot of the stresses, insecurities, and questions about the future no matter if you go to a local public school or a fancy boarding school and this book does a nice job of showcasing that. The final reveal is very satisfying and exciting which will leave mystery lovers wanting to see more from this author. Recommended for those who enjoy April Henry or liked The Counselors by the same author.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Published June 17, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ivy has come to the age where all young women in her town can ask the Queen, who is a conniving fae, for a wish. All wishes come at a price, however. For example, her older sister does not remember her wish, but it has forever changed her and she now she is despondent and rarely leaves her room. This is the same occasion that young ladies come out as available to be married, but when Ivy and the others go to be presented before the Queen they learn that this year the fae prince will be looking for a bride. There is a catch to trying to make a match with the prince, however, and that is that each girl must sign her name in blood to a binding contract that states if the prince does NOT choose her then she cannot marry anyone else. Ivy is the first to step up to sign under these conditions, because she’s hoping if she could become a princess then she might be able to save her sister. None of the girls who sign know what is in store for them as the Queen puts them through cruel and terrible challenges in order to gain her favor. As Ivy gets closer to the other girls still left in the competition it becomes clear that no one will really win in this situation and she needs to find a way to help her family while she still can. The other prince (the one without magical abilities) tries to get Ivy to join his secret plan to unseat the queen and undo all of her “wishes.” Ivy agrees, but isn’t sure how they can best such a powerful figure. Plus, she isn’t sure who will stand with them and who will betray them. Can Ivy save her sister from her secret fate? Can Ivy find happiness in such a dire situation? Is there anyone Ivy can truly trust?

This fantasy series will thrill fans of The Hunger Games and the Selection series. The trials the Queen puts the girls through are cruel, but also clever in how they are planned out. There are occasionally moments when the reader gets to learn more about the other bachelorettes to see what each girl’s motivations and dreams are which becomes helpful as the ending unfolds. The growing relationship between Ivy and the other prince continues to grow as the story develops and they both know that Ivy has agreed to never marry another should the prince not choose her. The ending has many surprises and revelations (which readers will love), but there is still more to come with these characters as not everything has been revealed yet. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance series.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

Published May 20, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

This story is set over three different time periods: 1941 Germany, 1980 Berlin, and 2020 NYC. All three stories weave together as they go on and eventually their connections become clear. In 2020 two best friends, Will and Chloe, are home during Covid when Chloe’s grandmother sends a package that starts them on a journey investigating two teenage girls who disappeared in Germany in 1941. Then, in 1941 two best friends, Sophie and Hanna, grow up believing a magical tree in the forest can help romantics find true love. When the Nazis show up to invade their town, however, everything changes and it becomes unclear who they can trust as propaganda spreads lies and mistrust amongst their town. In 1980 Jenny goes to Germany with her family when her father is transferred there for his job. As an aspiring photographer, she wants to see the real Berlin and eventually makes friends with some punk kids who live in an abandoned warehouse and have a punk rock band. Everyone feels very strongly about the Berlin wall and many have loved ones on the other side. As these three stories unfold the parallels going on around them become clear and eventually the stories start to intertwine. Will Will and Chloe ever find out what happened to the two girls who mysteriously disappeared in the woods in Germany in 1941? Will Jenny ever feel like she can truly be who she is despite a very traditional family? Will Hanna and Sophie ever feel safe in their own town again?

Fans of historical fiction will absolutely love this story and want to read it again and again. The characters are all so engaging and powerful as they each go through times of unrest and uncertainty. As the stories unfold it becomes obvious that although they are all living in different times with different obstacles, the basic human nature of those around them remains the same. They all must find the courage to stand up for themselves and others who are being judged unfairly due to the political climate. Even the supporting characters will leave the readers thinking about them long after the story is over. It’s a very powerful story that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter

Published April 8, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to Royal Blood, Evan is still trying to adjust to royal life and it seems like people are both fascinated with her and aren’t sure she belongs. The media in particular has been very interested in everything they can find on Evan, especially her mother. As Evan’s father, the king, and other members of the family try to shield her there are definitely those who have not warmed up to the idea of a new royal daughter. When the family goes away for a planned hunting trip there is an attempt on Evan’s life, which shakes everyone up as they were supposed to be completely safe in this location. Which means, in Evan’s mind, that there is someone within the palace walls that wants to harm her. Despite everything, she is enjoying getting to know her father and sister so she is determined not to be chased away. Will the person trying to hurt her be found out before it is too late? Has her appearance changed the monarchy forever? Does she know who she can really trust?

This sequel is just as tantalizing at the first book. It’s easy to sympathize with Evan who has been put in a difficult situation that she did not create, but yet is trying to make the best of without compromising who she is. The other characters are very compelling as well because they are written with many emotions and motivations, which makes them seem real and human. There is still more story to tell with these characters as not everything was settled and fans will want to know more. Recommended for fans of the American Royals and the Selection series.

A Queen’s Game by Katherine McGee

Published March 4, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction Romance

This historical fiction book follows real figures throughout history, but puts a modern spin on their stories. Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter and everyone who meets her is enamored with her as she is very beautiful and charming. She is expected to marry the heir to the English throne, but Alix isn’t sure that is what she really wants. She suffered a traumatic event when she was young and there are lingering side effects that she isn’t sure would be conducive to a very public life. Helene D’Orleans is the daughter of the exiled King of France, but many still regard her as a princess. She has come to realize that she does not have to uphold some of the stringent rules that active princesses do and she enjoys the freedom. However, when she does end up finding a suitable match for herself she is worried her past behavior might cause issues after all in her finding her happy ending. May of Teck has a troubled home life and would love to get married and find her own place in the world, but she has been unable to find a suitable match and her parents blame her for not being married yet. Will she be able to fine a husband before it is too late and she is considered an “old maid?” Will any of these young women be able to voice what they would like to do with their own lives?

This new series by the author of the American Royals is fun and engaging, but it will be interesting to see how if plays out since these characters were real people in history. Similar to McGee’s first series, the characters all have their reasons for doing what they do and it’s easy to see how miscommunications can occur. The rules of society in this time are finite and they all must abide by them if they want to participate. Modern issues such as mental health and women’s rights are touched upon and will no doubt be explored further in what is sure to be a series. Recommended for fans of American Royals and The Selection.

When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar

Published February 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Tanvi went to live with her aunt and cousin, Mimi, when her parents died in a horrific car accident. Tanvi suffered from anxiety and nightmares as a result, but Mimi and her mom were always there for her. That’s why it was so hard for her when Mimi all of a sudden dropped Mimi for the most popular girl in school, Beth. Together, they were ruthless to Tanvi and made her life a living hell. She never told her aunt, however, because she was always hoping that eventually Mimi would want to rekindle their relationship and be like sisters again. Then, one day, Mimi disappears and Tanvi feels like she should know more than she does. She woke up with a huge bump on her head and bruises on her arms and legs, but no memory or anything after she went to sleep the night before. Meanwhile, Beth is telling everyone that Tanvi must have done something because there is “something wrong with her.” As Tanvi begins to spiral with worry she starts to wonder if it’s possible she could have done something to Mimi without remembering? If not her, then who would want to hurt Mimi?

This mystery moves along quickly and delves into the topic of mental health, bullying, and ptsd. There are many possible suspects for who might be responsible for Mimi’s disappearance and it isn’t until the very end that it all becomes clear. The ending is very dramatic and exciting, if maybe a bit too tidy. Fans of April Henry will enjoy the fast paced story and the satisfying ending.

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 18, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to What the River Knows, Whit and Inez get married to avoid her getting sent home by her uncle,Ricardo. This causes quite a stir when her Ricardo finds out, but they are so focused on finding Inez’s mother and the artifacts she stole that it overshadows everything else. When they receive word that Ricardo and his partner have been betrayed by the man they hired to secure their excavation of Cleopatra’s tomb, Whit and Ricardo immediately head to the tomb only to discover it has been completely stripped of everything, including Cleopatra’s mummy. Upon return to the hotel, Ricardo and his partner, Abdullah, who has been injured, are both arrested for keeping the discovery of Cleopatra’s tomb a secret from the government. Inez knows that the only way to save them is to find her mother and the artifacts from Cleopatra’s tomb. Meanwhile, Isadora, the daughter of the man who betrayed them, arrives and claims to be an innocent victim with a surprising story to tell. Can she trust Isadora? Will she ever find out what happened to her father? What will she do if she’s ever faced with her deceitful mother again? Will her and Whit be able to make their marriage work despite the many difficulties they face?

The conclusion of this story is exciting, powerful, and action packed. The characters are all so multi-dimensional that it is very difficult to decipher who Inez can really trust. There are many questions left after the first novel concludes, but this one does a commendable job getting answers and illustrating the true intentions of the characters. The final resolution will satisfy readers and also leave them wanting more about this setting and these characters. Recommended for readers looking for something unique with a romantic twist.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez

Published February 4, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

Inez lives in Buenos Aires with her aunt and cousins. Her parents spend half the year in Argentina and half in Egypt where they work with archeologists. Inez has longed to go with them since she can remember, but her parents have always told her she must remain in Argentina. Suddenly, her father sends her a package that only contains a gold rings. When her parents are lost and presumed dead she goes against everyone’s wishes and makes the long journey to Egypt. She is met by her uncle’s employee, Whit, who has been told to put her on the next boat back to Argentina. However, Inez cannot be handled that easily and decides she isn’t ready to go home yet. She manages to make it to the hotel her parents stayed at and finally sees her Uncle. Her Uncle is not happy to see her and tries over and over to send her back home, but Inez feels she can be useful to the work they are doing, especially since she can now detect items that belonged to Cleopatra after trying on the ring her father sent her. Could he have sent her Cleopatra’s ring? Why did he send it when he believed so strongly in keeping artifacts where they originated? Did he know his life was in danger and is that why he sent her the ring? Will she and Whit ever get along or will he always see her as a nuisance?

This historical fiction story is fun and full of adventure. Readers will enjoy the unusual setting for a historical fiction novel and become invested in Inez and her quest for the truth. There are several supporting characters and there’s definitely a feeling of unease about who can be trusted, but even at the end of this first novel it remains unclear whose motivations are honest and who might be waiting to betray Inez. There is a touch of romance as well, so anyone who enjoys romances set in unique time periods will also like that aspect of it. The ending feels exciting and not too rushed, while also leaving the door open to a very exciting sequel.

The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Published January 21, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Every five years two kingdoms put on a “Wild Hunt.” The risks are pretty high as many people do not survive, but the winner gets a wish of anything he or she wants so there’s always a lot of people willing to take on the challenge. Branwen accidentally received the ability to see all magic with one of her eyes. It’s a dangerous gift, though, and causes her physical pain if she uses that eye too much so she wears an iron patch over it most of the time. Her mother has gotten a memory disease that Branwen is desperate to help her with, which is why she agrees when Gwydion asks her to join him in the hunt. Gwydion comes from a magical family where everyone looks down on his gift of manipulating plants. He knows his uncle is going to name his older brother as his successor and Gwydion knows that is a mistake because his brother is temperamental and impulsive, while his sister has all the markings of a great ruler. Gwydion makes a deal with his uncle not to name a successor until after the hunt because he thinks if he wins he can convince him to choose someone else instead. Pryderi was born a prince, but shortly after birth was kidnapped by a monster and raised until he was a child. Then, a farmer saved him and raised him as his own. When it was discovered who he really was he was sent to his father’s kingdom and expected to act as the heir. The problem is that Pryderi isn’t sure if he wants to rule. When the three of them join together to form a team they feel they have a good chance of winning the hunt. However, there are some things about the competition that are not revealed until after it begins. Will they manage to find a way to persevere? Can they truly trust each other or is everyone out for themselves?

This fantasy story has it all: adventure, treachery, betrayal, and even some romance. The Wild Hunt is unique enough that it stands out from other books that have magical competitions. The three main characters are easy to differentiate due to their backgrounds and individual strengths. Branwen is the first one introduced so it’s easy to really care about her and her mother’s illness. Gwydion and Pryderi both have noble causes they want to strive for, but both aren’t entirely sure where they personally want their lives to go, which is easy for young people to identify with. The ending is exciting and satisfying and will leave readers energized. Recommended for fantasy lovers.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Published November 19, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Lyla has been with her boyfriend, Nico, for a few years and although they are happy she isn’t sure where it is really going. Plus, her post doctoral research has hit an unfortunate snag and she isn’t sure what that means for her career. Therefore, when Nico comes to her with an opportunity to be in a reality show for couples on a deserted island she isn’t sure it is a good idea. As an aspiring actor, Nico very much wants the chance to be on a tv show. He even suggests that Lyla purposefully get voted off early so she can return to work and he can stay on the show. Reluctantly, Lyla agrees even though something feels off to her about this show. When they arrive and meet the other couples she notices that a few of them seem to know each other, though they are pretending not to. Once the show actually begins it is not at all what Lyla expected and is stunned when she is not the first person to go home. After the first elimination, a terrible storm hits the island that knocks out all communication and connection to the outside world. The film crew had left for the night and does not return by morning. Are they on their own now? What will they do if no one comes looking for them? Will they work together to survive or will some contestants rise up and try to take control of the others?

Fans of And Then There Were None would enjoy this fast paced thrilling mystery. Lyla does not want to be on a reality show and yet has found herself in the middle of a real mess. Once the storm hits and it is uncertain who even knows their whereabouts it becomes clear that they are on their own. The other contestants start to stand out as they all find their place within the group. It’s written in a way that the reader really feels what it would be like to be on this island with these poor people. Recommended for readers who like suspenseful mysteries and survival stories.

The UnWedding by Allyson Condie

Published November 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Ellery was supposed to go on a romantic remote getaway to a beautiful resort with her husband for their anniversary, but when he suddenly announced that he wanted a divorce she ends up going all on her own. At first, Ellery feels out of place and lonely, especially when she sees there is going to be a wedding there, but she meets some new friends and begins to enjoy herself. Then, after waking up early to go for a swim, she makes a terrible discovery of the groom floating face down in the resort pool. She tries to get him out, but it was too late. Everyone knew he had not shown up for the wedding, but now everyone is wondering if he was dead before or after he failed to show up. It’s especially confusing since he was clearly dressed for the wedding. To make matters worse, there was a terrible storm that washed out the bridge and took out most communication so she cannot reach out to her kids and they cannot reach the police. They are stuck there with no knowledge of when they might be able to get out and hoping there isn’t a killer on the loose. Ellery and her new friends decide they might as well do a little investigating while they are there, but it quickly becomes apparent that someone does not want them looking into this suspicious death. Can Ellery figure out who would want to hurt a groom on his wedding day? Will anyone else get hurt while they are isolated at this resort? Will she ever start to feel ready to move on from her marriage?

Fans of mysteries such as The Couple Next Door, The Perfect Couple, and the Woman in Cabin 10 will enjoy this title. The main character is sympathetic and feels like anyone would feel if they stumbled into this situation. The people at the resort are colorful and easy to distinguish from each other. The mystery itself has several twists and turns, but the resolution is satisfying and realistic. Recommended for readers who love a good mystery, but aren’t looking for anything too dark or heavy.

Poison in their Hearts by Laura Sebastian

Published October 22, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

In this final installment of the Castles in their Bones series, Daphne and Beatriz work together to try and overcome the horrendous plans set out by their mother to take over all of the kingdoms at any cost. However, it will not be easy as their mother always seems to be a step ahead and has spies everywhere. In fact, before Beatriz can get to Daphne, she is betrayed, drugged, and sent back to the kingdom she desperately wants to flee. Meanwhile, Violie is trying to maintain the ruse that she is in fact Princess Sophronia (with Daphne’s help). Can they find a way, with their allies, to outsmart their mother and somehow keep the prophecy of their deaths from coming to fruition? Will they be able to find a way to get the support of the people against their mother, who appears from the outside to be a kind leader? Do they have what it takes to really stand up to the one who raised them for this very purpose?

This final installment is every bit as engaging as the first two and will make readers wish the series continued on. The sisters, continue to become more complex and endearing characters, but the supporting characters also become more developed as each impacts the ultimate resolution. This story does not shy away from violence as a means to an end, but it is never too graphic or overwhelming. The ending contains many twists and turns, which is impressive considering how far this story has already taken readers, but at no point does anything seem outlandish or exaggerated. This book finishes out the trilogy in such a satisfying way that the previous two books seem even better now that the resolution is clear. Recommended for fantasy and romance readers.

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