Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
Moira is Queen of the Fae realm she protects. Tallis is the Queen's Bodyguard. They were childhood sweethearts in the past, but are now forbidden to love each other because of their current standings. When the Queen's heirs start dropping like flies and her husband continues to abuse his duties to entertain his sorceress mistresses, it's up to Moira and Tallis to save the last heir, stop the king's tyranny, and solve the mystery of the royal murders! On top of that, our heroes must face another obstacle..their unspoken, undeniable chemistry! Will Moira and Tallis succeed in completing their complex quests and break the barrier they've placed between themselves?
Talk about a killer retelling of "Macbeth"! This novella in the "Starry Kingdoms of the Fae" anthology series was such an exciting read, I finished it in two days! The author does a great job with the world-building and exposition of the characters! Moira was definitely an empowering fantasy heroine. Her determination to protect her remaining child, her strategic thinking, and her courage, even when filled with grief, made for an interesting antihero and a strong portrayal of maternal representation!
Tallis made for an interesting secondary protagonist, acting as the love interest, the voice of reason, and Moira's support system. Their dynamic makes you understand why their chemistry has always been so strong since childhood. I won't say too much about the antagonists as I don't want to give them away. I will say this: The climax is definitely on for the Shakespearean books! If you’re looking for a retelling of a literary classic, a clean romance with a side of murder mystery, and a slight "Game of Thrones" atmosphere, don't miss this book in the "Starry Kingdoms of the Fae" anthology series when it hits shelves June 2nd, 2023!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Tropes to Expect: Forbidden Romance, Queen x Bodyguard Couple, Whodunnit, Kingdom in Conflict, Secrets and Lies, Sun/Moon Couple, Faeries, Dragons, Vampires,and Witches.
- Trigger Warnings: Domestic Violence,Betrayal, Loss and Grief, Generational Trauma, and Implications of Infidelity.
