Synopsis:
The kingdom of Kandala teeters on disaster amid escalating tensions between sectors, worsened by a ravaging sickness. Within the Royal Palace, King Harristan maintains a fragile peace with an iron fist.
Thrust into power after his parents' assassination, King Harristan and his younger brother, Prince Corrick, enforce ruthless justice to quell rebellion and control the limited supply of the only known cure, made from rare Moonflower petals.
Meanwhile, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade and her friend Wes risk their lives stealing Moonflower petals to distribute the elixir to their suffering neighbors. As rumors spread of the cure's failure and rebellion simmers, Tessa's daring attempt to infiltrate the palace reveals shocking truths that could shatter Kandala.
Review: I picked up this book aiming for a spice-free romantasy read, responding to requests for such recommendations. Before suggesting it to others, I wanted to experience it firsthand. I'm happy to report that not only would I recommend this book, but I'm also eager to delve into the sequels! Tessa and Corrick have become two of my favorite characters. Tessa's strength and Corrick's internal struggles, alongside external conflicts, add depth to the narrative. The pacing is perfect; I never felt rushed or bored. The world-building strikes a balance, providing enough detail for understanding without overwhelming complexity. An unexpected twist early on caught me off guard in the best way possible. While there are slow-burn romantic scenes, they are tastefully done, far from explicit. The plot captivated me from the outset, proving that spice isn't necessary to keep a story engaging. This was a five star read for me!!!
