Laying out a plot, developing characters, and captivating your readers all in 206 pages is a tough ask, but Molly Ringle pulls it off. 

At 28, Zaya never expected to be king, so to also learn that magic is alive and well despite laws forbidding it, becomes overwhelming. However, this doesn't stop him from doing the best he can throughout the novel. The more time he spends with Col, the more he understands the magicians' plight and he resolves to help. His character arc was remarkable. His acceptance of magic wasn't rushed, despite the romantic subplot, and its particularly challenged when he has to face the fact that magicians aren't all good or all bad. It's a constant journey to better himself that ends with him being a stronger character for it.
Col was also a delightful character. Measured but deeply passionate about the magicians' cause, he challenges Zaya at every turn while the two grow closer. Unlike Zaya, his character didn't have a profound arc, which I appreciated because of the book's shorter length. 

A note on their romance. In this world, there is no homophobia and that was refreshing. Col is bisexual, with a preference for men whereas Zaya is gay, and neither is ever challenged for what it is. I rarely come across books like that even though fantasy worlds are ultimately at the hands of their makers, so do not need to include homophobia. I commend Ringle for taking this route, and hope to see more of it. 

Finally, the villain. I really enjoyed Orzei as the antagonist because of his attitude. He's convinced he's doing it for the better, yet doesn't hesitate to be exceedingly violent in how he deals with obstacles that come in his way. He's by no means pleasant, or even charming, but he does have a lasting impact on the story. 

My only complaint is the book was too short, I would definitely read more of Cole and Zaya!
CW: violence, body horror (parts turning into plants), and mentions of rape.