I feel a little like the meme of the kid with the stick “come on…do something.” 30% in and there’s no shortage of build up. We see the magic system, which has a hefty cost for the ruling family that wields it. We see the political intrigue and those bristling under the current queen. But nothing is really happening yet. There’s a potential solution of the toll magic takes on the queen, there’s machinations moving in the novel class, and there’s the unruly daughter set to inherit the kingdom that has an empathy problem. Now don’t get me wrong, this is written beautifully. It’s not a chore to read through. I’m just not quite connecting with the characters in a way that has me invested. Yet. I’m holding out hope this is one of those that the last half is where the action sits. 

I couldn’t get there. I tried. The characters were so distant to me, almost like holding them at arm’s length. I never really got invested, and the connection wasn’t there. 

Thank you to Bindery Books | Violetear for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.