This is a story told from multiple POVs. One of the first POVs we get is from Bethany, a young seamstress with ambitions to become a diviner. She lives in the Eternal City, which is part of the vast Eternal Empire of Dymantus, where diviners are the well respected few who help people travel the gateways (I.e. travel from one place to another). I really liked Bethany and being in her POV, she is an interesting character with an intriguing back story and, if anything, I would’ve liked even more time with her as she was going through her studies, training to be a diviner.

The other POVs we get are from Zhuana (Queen of Veldria, a people who are now on the run from an unknown threat), Julian (Crown Prince of the Dymantine Empire, whose trying to establish his place as the future ruler in a land where many don’t want him to ascend the throne) and Kendrick (a military hero who once served alongside Julian’s father).

Bearing in mind this is a relatively short book and we have 4 POVs, it’s fairly fast paced, while also feeling like it’s doing a lot of set up for all the events to come. And while I wouldn’t say it’s like Game of Thrones, where I would draw the parallel is in the way that we’re predominantly following court politics and the jostling of different factions for power, but, looming above it all, is the threat of an unknown, supernatural danger.

Overall, I really enjoyed this start to a new series and would definitely recommend for the fantasy lovers out there. It also looks like we shouldn’t have to wait too long for book 2 🤞.

“Could she keep her two worlds separate? Her father’s world, of empires, nobles and power…and the world of divination, of Xander, stars and gateways? Her intuition told her no. Her two worlds were going to collide.”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

I was initially drawn to this book by the cool cover and description, and as my first James Maxwell book, I wasn’t disappointed. The writing is strong, with unique and immersive world-building.

The book starts off a bit slow as you’re introduced to a large cast of characters and spaces, but by the end, you realize how essential that groundwork was to the story. However, I felt that Bethany’s character and her connections with her friends could have been explored more deeply. Their relationships felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved more time to see those connections develop. (Maybe in book 2?) It’s also worth noting that this book isn’t solely told from Bethany’s POV.

If you enjoy books with political intrigue, fantastic world-building, and dynamic characters, I think you’ll love this one. Am I going to read the next book in the series? Absolutely.

Thank you to NetGalley, James Maxwell, and Everlast Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.