i didn't really know what to expect going into this book, since i only read the first sentence of the synopsis ("a princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress"). what i definitely was not expecting was to be an emotional wreck when it was over, to have my heartstrings tugged at so many times. i really sympathised with alyce, for the most part, because she has so many conflicting thoughts and emotions, she hates being the dark grace but she was forced into that role. you get an insight into her thoughts, how she justifies her actions, how she resents everyone.