I want to thank Penguin Group/Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest feedback. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Just as some background, I have not read Tahir before. I know this series is somehow connected to An Ember In the Ashes and I'm not sure if I should have read that series first, but I was able to understand this book so I am not sure it's necessary. But I did see it recommended.
I'll start by saying wow, Tahir can write. I don't read a ton of YA these days so if I do I want something that will draw me in and Tahir did that immediately. I was super curious and invested in the story trying to figure out who each of the three POVs were. Yes, THREE POVs, though later in the book Tahir does incorporate two more! I was worried it would be confusing but it was not.  And I can only assume introducing the other two POVs will be integral in the next book of this series.
Tahir builds a fabulous world. A world full of magic and political intrigue as well and romance. I loved the culture the author created. It was very rich and even included language which supported it. Tahir holds nothing back and often keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. She drives the story with a fantastic mix of plot and character development. I often thought of Bardugo's Six of Crows series when I was reading this one (and Bardugo is a favorite author of mine!). There is a great deal of layering in this world with things building on top of each other until finally they come together and it all makes complete sense.
All three main characters, Sirsha, Aiz, and Quil were uniquely done and very well developed. I understood each of their motivations and who they were in relation to the politics surrounding them. Each of their stories was important to what was happening around them and to them. I related to all three, as well. The prince who doesn't want to assume his position. The girl who stole his heart but had an agenda all his own. And the other girl who just wants to save her found family. The rotation of their POVs keeps the story moving and kept me wanting to turn the pages to know more. Each character faces their own demons and challenges and grows from this. 
he one thing I will complain about was the length or the chapters. I prefer shorter chapters for the most part so I don't feel bogged down.
Overall I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book with that bit of a cliffhanger ending.