4/5

There was a LOT of info dumping in the beginning but after that the story does pick up quite a bit and was intriguing. Even I didn’t quite guess the twists. Much better than I anticipated going in and now I’m actually excited for the sequels.

I really enjoyed this!! But it was really confusing for the first 200ish pages

3.5 stars rounded up. I actually really enjoyed reading this one, and I love the whole court intrigue vibe. The names in this one are a bit… well let’s just call them whimsical haha.

Anyways, I did expect a bit more upper YA but it reads a bit younger. Once I adjusted my expectations I found it to be quite a fun read. I think fans of her first series and fans of things like The Selection etc. will enjoy this series! I’m looking forward to continuing the story and seeing where it goes.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for my eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

What was that ending?! Why?! I need the next one now.

I have to say I'm so glad I decided to try reading this author again because this book was fantastic. It's a big 5-star read for me. If you haven't read it, go get it now. I'm already dying with anticipation over how long it'll be until the next book is out. This is so well written and well done how the plot(s) are woven together and the three stories and points of view of the three princesses in each of their unique situations. There's also swoon-worthy romance and sadness and all the emotions. There's intrigue, poisons, treachery, and magic. I love this magic in this book with the stars - it's simple and unique and interesting all at the same time. I love the close bonds and relationships between the three sisters and the differences and how each of them navigates their situation. The ending left me feeling all the feels and hanging on the edge of my seat, the cliffhanger ending is a hard one that totally shocked me and left me reeling. Go read this now!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Delacorte Press for letting me read and review this amazing book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I greatly enjoyed this book and it's right up my alley. Political intrigue with multiple perspectives and multiple viewpoints. I really enjoyed the Ash Princess trilogy, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the next one has to bring.

The sheer size of this book had intimidated me for years, but I was always really intrigued and am very glad that I finally pulled the trigger on reading it. There was a LOT going on here with so much scheming, plotting and double-crossing, but what I found interesting was how the events built up slowly which meant that by the end it takes you by surprise to find out just how much had happened. The whole time we aren't sure which direction each sisters path will take them and whether they will follow what their mother has set out for them or forge their own way forward. I loved each of their story-lines and the way the different POV's were structured. I appreciated how each one had a distinct voice and I felt like I was able to get to know them each individually in the midst of the intricate plot.

I am a bit disappointed that this wasn't a standalone as the length and slow-burn plot gave it a series-like feel within itself but that ending was still shocking. Of course I expected some sort of climax but nothing like that and I have to admit it sets up future books nicely. I am interested to see how the sisters will rescue the broken pieces of their unique worlds and whether they will retain the strength needed to do right by their people off the back of fresh betrayals and revelations! Happy Reading :)