I loved this book there was so many unexpected twists that I just did not expect it was so very amazing. I loved the characters so much I especially liked Will he was easy to connect with and see as just a boy running for his life when in the end he is not at all what he seemed but that only made him more interesting looking forward to reading more about him. I also loved the other characters as well Violet and her wanting to be something else than what she was meant to be I found James intriguing in many ways. I loved the plot it started with a boy on the run and moved into a story with twists and turns that was very dark I am really looking forward to the sequel.

This series is really good with the next better than the last with a great mystery along with intrigue and an interesting imperial court drama. The characters are wonderful as always I really love Maomao she is interesting and very different from many others around her she is a bit eccentric never a dull moment with her around. A secret about Jinshi was revealed although Maomao didn't allow him to really tell her what he wanted to. The plot was interesting Maomao is back in the rear palace to be the poison tester for the consort that happens to be pregnant this fact is hidden there are a few interesting mysteries one about an illness that uncovers a poisoning attempt and another about the previous emperor and his terrible proclivities and what caused his death the last being a certain someone is not what he seems looking forward to reading more soon.