Lisette's life is shattered after her father kills the King and is executed, leaving her without the magic he SHOULD have passed on to her. In a city where magic is everything, she struggles to survive by performing illusions. She's determined to prove herself and become the Queen’s Jester. But her biggest rival, Luc, has real magic. As Lisette fights to win, she uncovers secrets about the Queen that force her to choose between clearing her family's name or chasing the fame she's always wanted. 

I loved following Lisette’s journey as she comes to terms with the truths she faces. The world-building in this book is vivid, while melding seamlessly into the story-telling. The main plot is wrought with tension. Between trying to prove her worth, figuring out how to upstage the other magicians, and the growing feelings between Lisette and Luc, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. I maybe would have liked a little more closure between Lisette and her father, but that's just me being picky. The blend of magic, competition, and even found family makes this book a great escape. I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys stories with strong characters and high stakes!