The author motivation behind writing this book is admirable. Police brutality of black and brown bodies has been plaguing this country for hundreds of years. If you feel for those voices in the book. Those who were murder by those in power... then mourn for Tamar Rice, Sandra Bland, Treyvon Martin, etc., and the other unspoken names. Say their names and remember them.

Zeile became my favorite character because her stubbornness is unmatched. Her relationship with Zane (her brother) was so relatable to me. I understand that kind of sibling rivalry and betrayal. Her relationship with the crown prince was unexpected to say the least. Although I liked the world of this book, it was too dark. Too dark as in I have to be in a certain mind set to read about so much pain. I should have waited until the summer to read this book.

Overall I like the book and wanted it to be quicker in the beginning. I’m so happy that African Authors are becoming more and more mainstream. I’m excited for book two.