Mary E. Pearson

The World building is excellent as is the character building, I think that this feels like a good start to a more in-depth series.
This is full of some real life hardships that make the characters relatable and feel more real to the reader, but then dipped in mystery and magic.

This starts off feeling more like a historical fiction that then turns in to a fantasy novel once their long lost aunt appears.

This is full of twists and secrets, and a good ol fashion enemies to lovers plot.

This is good for the fantasy reader who doesnt want a lot of spice or the romance to be the main plot line. However if the miscommunication trope isnt one that you particularly enjoy then this may not be your cup of tea.

I liked this, but I wish I had liked it more. However with that being said there is a lot of good set up to continue the story and my mind may change.

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the digital ARC