What a fun adventure. After reading so much romantasy, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Unfettered by the restraints of romance, which can weigh a plot down, this story was able to soar. 

Jai is a prisoner of war, forced into servitude for most of his life. When the kingdom he is held in creates an  alliance through a marriage with a neighboring kingdom, Jai finds his world changed in ways he didn’t expect. Suddenly on the run with a dragon hatchling and the betrothed princesses’s handmaiden, Jai has to fight his way through a war torn land, while attempting to reclaim his birthright.

The magic in this story is an interesting concept, linking towards the creatures one soulbonds with. You can gain the power “mana” from your bounded, but also by soulbreathing, which allows the core to collect mana. Both soulbreathing and collecting/holding mana are learned skills. The author does a great job of explaining how this all works, while not overwhelming you with an info dump. It helps that you learn as Jai learns. Having had a sheltered life, he is not familiar with many of these concepts. 

The characters were well thought out and entertaining. Even the creatures, such as Winter, have personalities and a clear sense of self. Both Rufus and Frida have secrets, but their personalities still shine through. I greatly appreciated that Jai was shown as a 17 year old who still was learning. So many books have 16-19 year olds described as fully formed all knowing persons. Jai is still figuring out his body and confidence and trust. He has been sheltered as the companion for the aged former emperor, but his problem solving in the moment feels really age appropriate.

I really enjoyed this book. It reminds me a bit of Eragon.