Thank you Harlequin for this book in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis:
For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine…
Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.
Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.
In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie
Review:
I think this book crushed my soul.
Like crumbled up into ash and collected up with a dust pan and shovel.
What.
The.
Hell.
So let’s start with the obvious, have you seen the cover? I mean who ever designed this cover needs a hug and a never ending supply of hot chocolates. Who wouldn’t want to buy this book just for the cover alone?
While we are talking about the cover though, can we chat about the blurb? The blurb is meant to be a brief description of the book without giving away all the plot points. This blurb is massive and actually contains spoilers, so don’t read it just read the book!
Basically this is based on Nor, who is considered ruined because of a small scar on her cheek, while her scar-less sister Zadie is considered beautiful and therefore chosen to the bride for a neighbouring country’s prince.
Nor is brave, daring and ready to do anything for her family, no matter how downtrodden she is treated because she has the smallest scar on her face.
Zadie, I found to be selfish which added to the storyline immensely. Zadie has the constant need to look after her beauty and do what she believes is best not believes what is right.
Well at the start of the book anyway…
Without going into too much detail about the plot (I can let the blurb do that for me) I found it predictable but at the same time written superbly that it didn’t even phase me what was about to happen.
I loved that it also highlights how much society can push aside woman who aren’t ‘beautiful’ when really it goes much deeper than just looks. You can have the most beautiful woman before you but she could have the intellect of a toddler. Zadie, our leading lady, strives to show you that you can achieve anything no matter how ‘ugly’ society thinks you are.
More woman/girls/ladies/females and even humans in general need to hear that message.
Overall this was a stunning book for me. I found it hard to really find any flaws (I don’t judge on a blurb) It was captivating, we had a wonderful and creative world built for us with such writing. Damn I’m impressed.
Rating: 5/5
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9781489282712