From Aurealis Award‑nominated author Devin Madson comes a new rip-roaring epic fantasy full of dragons, alchemical magic, and forbidden romance that unfolds as three people in a shattered empire become entangled in a looming revolution.The old kingdom of Paicha has been split into city states, but there are those who seek to reunite the shattered realm-by force if necessary. Amidst the turmoil there are three who will find their destinies inextricably tangled. Tesha is a glassblower's apprentice who becomes a tribute bride when her city is conquered by the south. In the enemy's court, she's perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans. Naili is a laundress in the house of an eccentric alchemist who is awakening to strange new powers. When radicals approach her, she faces a choice between keeping her magic to herself and using it to change the world. And in the desolate Shield Mountains, dragon rider Ash protects the cities from the monsters in the Iipao sands beyond. But, soon he'll have to learn how to protect his dragon when hunters unlock the secret to killing them. As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ash must fight for survival against political enemies, dragon hunters, and monsters both within and without.
GENRE
High Fantasy
THEME AND TONE
Gripping and Engaging
LANGUAGE AND WRITING STYLE
Easy to Read
CHARACTERS
Multilayered Complex Characters
MY REVIEW
The audiobook focuses on three characters pov. Naili, Tesha, and Ash. All have their own storyline and each one is as gripping as the other one. I liked Naili and Tesha more. because I have a thing for spies and secret missions 😅lol.
Let's start with Naili; she is working as a laundress with other girls at the great and famous Alchemist who she saw. Then one day she wakes with strange things happening, their colleague missing and she decides to set herself on the quest to find what exactly the Alchemist is doing with the laundresses.
The next storyline is of Tesha. She is in love with someone but then breaks ties with him because he is the son of a lord from a region she dislikes. She has her own political alliances and beliefs but ends up working with the said son to save her city/country or however you put it. She becomes an insult bride (interesting term) to the brother of the person who is running the whole political show of reuniting the two countries also known as the Reacher. But her actual mission is to kill the Reacher and will she succeed?... Well, you have to read to find out 😋.
The third Story is of Ash who is also the son of an important Lord but exiled to go and defend the borders. He is also a dragon rider and he has an interesting love-hate disdain relationship with his dragon. the dragon hates him but he loves her....it's a confusing situation 😂. He finds out some very carefully hidden secrets
On the whole, the story is good, but the audiobook is amazing..I cannot wait for the next books to come out. It's a 4 star read and I recommend it.
MY RATING
Overall: ★★★★★ | 4 Stars
Plot: ★★★★★| 4 Stars
World Building: ★★★★★| 4 Stars
Characters:★★★★★ | 5 Stars
Pacing: ★★★★★ | 5 Stars
Mystery: ★★★★★★ | 5 Stars
Ending: ★★★★★| 5 Stars
Spice Level: 🌶| 1/5
Book Cover:★★★★★| 5 Stars
☙ The world-building is really good
Best Words
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