I can't believe I waited so long to read this teenage romance. This is a fantastic high fantasy about a teenage girl, but you can tell this is the author's debut book. I have confidence Osterlund will do wonderful things with the rest of this trilogy. I had a great time reading the fast-paced story. I want to see what she can do with the romantic tone when she has a little time under her belt.
I adore the character Aurelia. She is the type of woman of steel I always imagined a princess would be. Her blended family situation came across cleanly, with just a little violence.
I had a tough time figuring out "who did it" regarding the attempted assassination. I was shocked when everything about the ruler was revealed, and enjoyed the look at the kingdom's inheritance and succession. The imagery of the royal houses was well done. I enjoy seeing Aurelia fighting against her forced marriage.