An intricate and vibrant retelling of a classic story, Tara Sim brings a whole new twist to the Count of Monte Cristo tale. Revenge, politics, economic downfalls, and all the glitz and false glamour of a Monte Carlo casino create a lush world for the young Amaya and her band to seek vengeance upon those who destroyed their lives.

Sold into indentured servitude at ten years old, Amaya has slaved away under the whip of a vicious captain for seven years. But just as her debt is nearly paid off, she takes a risk and rescues a man from the sea. That man, calling himself Boon, in order to repay her kindness tells Amaya not to trust the captain to keep his word of release once her debt is paid and gives her a cryptic message on how to escape to riches beyond her wildest dreams should she choose to follow his instructions to seek revenge on all those that have wronged them both in life.

Taking society by storm as the Countess Yamaa, Amaya sets her sights on the cruel captain, the owner of the ship that held her captive, and the monsters who framed her father for smuggling and destroyed her family.

Meanwhile, Young Lord Cayo is trying to reform his wild ways in order to win his father's tightfisted approval and earn the money needed for medicine to treat his gravely ill sister. The more he learns of his father's shady ethics in both business and family, the more he finds himself disgusted by how lightly those with power oppress and discount those that have nothing. All the back door dealings and under the table trades are almost enough to give his faith in humanity. . . but for his sweet younger sister who has spent her entire life trying to better the wotld however she can as often as she is able.

The lyrical writing that flows back and forth bwteen Amaya and Cayo's points of view is smooth and full of rich descriptions that the bring the city of Moray to life. I picked this book and refused to put it down til it was finished.

*I recommend this book to fans of Alexdre Dumas, Mercedes Lackey, and all those who like a bit of swash with their buckles.

*special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy ARC in trade for an honest oipinion*