It's rarely that I come across a book that's as enlightening as it's entertaining, and this one delivers.

The protagonist Bree could've been every bit a Mary Sue but we see her struggle, we see her make mistakes and come to own herself and her troubled lineage. It was quite refreshing to dwell in her perspective. At least, this is the kind of "strong female character" I've longed for.

Nick and Sel also start off pretty tropey. They're respectively your golden jock and brooding bad boy. But nope, the story subverts the expectations and by the end, they stand on their own as Bree does. Although, I have to admit the romantic subplots felt a bit tacked on, but I'm glad the author didn't make it all about the romance.

What captivated me the most was the interesting spin on the Arthurian legend, and how beautifully it was woven with slavery and racism. Nothing was preachy or in-the-face about these difficult issues, but I got a sense of understanding nevertheless. A good read that seems to do most things right.