Any book that begins with "I shouldn't have been surprised to learn that faeries exist" automatically has my attention. When you pair that opening line with an ensemble cast of found family members and an immensely compelling protagonist, that book not only has my interest, it's likely to have my love too.

Ok, this duology hits SO MANY notes for me. Mom trauma. Found family. Going from complete isolation to needing to sleep in a pile with your found family to avoid council sickness. Family drama. Intergenerational trauma and breaking the cycle. Ace and Aro representation. One hell of an earworm of a chant. Magical sleeper agent. True love (but not what you think). Memory and who controls narratives. Magic.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First read this book two years ago but decided to give it a reread and thought I'd share my love for it with you all!

Overview

If you like....

Curses/promises/bargins

Mysterious parents

Half human protagonists

Important legacies

Self-sacrifice

Memory based powers

Beautiful culture

Found family

Ace rep!!!!!!!!!!

Unique magic systems

Magical politics

Corruption

Hidden history

Then this book is for you!

Blurb

'Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady.

'The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust.

'Tarisai won't stand by and become someone's pawn - but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?'

Overview

As you have probably guessed from the 5 stars, I have no complaints. Such a unique and vivid story, and a beautiful twist that was set up so well yet still managed to be surprising.

I also love how one of my least favourite tropes managed to be avoided by adding representation ( if you've read it you'll know what I mean.) It's proof that writers don't have to follow the same clichés to make an effective plot!

Also look at this map. I can't resist fantasy book maps. I never use them, but still feel disappointed in their absence.

I love it

First Line

'I shouldn't have been surprised that faries exist.'

'Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose'

(Found art on pinterest, full credit to artist)

(Found artist, credit to @souldagger )