CW - mentions of sexual assault. Not vividly described on the page.

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fantasy with a bit of mystery.

When Blackthorn makes a deal with a mysterious other folk, she is sprung from her prison, along with her silent prison mate, Grim, but has to set aside her goal of vengeance for seven years, agreeing to assist anyone who asks for her help. The two travel to Dalraida and begin helping the people of the city. When the prince, Oran, comes to them with a curious issue, they must solve the mystery of his changed fiancee, before he must wed her.

I made it a goal to read more of Juliet Marillier's work this year, and so far that has been really enjoyable. I read Harp of Kings last year and fell in love with her writing. Earlier this year I read her unfinished Wildwood series and thought it was very fun. I started this series next, because it was shorter than some of her others. :) I was a little bit surprised to find that this novel contained very few fantasy elements, but did have a mystery. I enjoyed the quick start to the novel and the intrigue related to Blackthorn's new purpose in Dalraida. I liked that both Blackthorn and Grim were both very complicated characters. They both have a lot of hurt and baggage, and that plays a big part in their stories. I liked them as a team, and that they balance each other out. Oran was also an interesting character, but I admit I found him a little bit helpless, and thought that his disagreement with his friend was pretty silly. However, I overall liked all of the characters and the setting, and am excited to continue with the next two books in the series. I am interested to see if they will be situational mysteries? We shall see. Still out of Marillier's books nothing has topped Harp of Kings, but that's ok. I am enjoying the ride. Her writing is always great, and her worlds are always very interesting. This is definitely a very "Me Too" era book, written back in 2013.