My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tricia Levenseller you utte genius author you. This book was so SO fun. It's one of th few books this year that held my rapt attention. I've been struggling to read books during covid-era, but hot damn, I couldn't put this down.
Alessandra is a character any femnist woman can get behind for president, Prime Minister Queen, Empress, really whatever you want.
The focus on this story is Alessandra's rise to both love and power. Both are difficult journeys. One expected, and one unexpected. You see, Alessandra is a noble woman who proudly knows her way around the bedroom. Unfortunately, society hasn't caught up. Women are seen as pretty little things that must save themselves for marriage or fear ruin of reputation.
Alessandra has a mind to change things when she is finally Queen, after killing the Current King, Kallias, and gaining the throne
However, it's not going to be easy seeing as the king is made of shadows and no one can touch him. Alessandra came to gain power and agency, buy gains A LOT MORE than she bargained for in the process. In case you're wondering, court intrigue, murder, and deception among the nobility ensue.
Can we so just talk about two other things I loved?
1. Levenseller uses such great insults: Trollop. Strumpet. Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love them.
2. The idea of Kallias as a shadow man was marvellous. It was so fresh and fun! I couldn't stop reading because, I mean, how often is a YA fantasy book NOT about faries, elves, werewolves/shifters, and vampires. Not often enough my friends. Thankfully, we have the Shadows Between Us as just the perfect remedy.
View all my reviews