(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

The citadel has long been the stronghold of Highkell. All that is about to change because the traitor, Vasic, is marching on the capital. Against her better judgement, Queen Alwenna allows herself to be spirited away by one of the Crown's most trusted servants, safe from the clutches of the throne's would-be usurper.
Fleeing across country, she quickly comes to learn that her pampered existence has ill-equipped her for survival away from the comforts of the court. Alwenna must toughen up, and fast, if she is even to make it to a place of safety. But she has an even loftier aim - for after dreaming of her husband's impending death, Alwenna knows she must turn around and head back to Highkell to save the land she loves, and the husband who adores her, or die in the attempt.
But Vasic the traitor is waiting. And this was all just as he planned.

This is hard for me - on one hand I found the story-telling and world-building to be quite fascinating. I liked the addition of the darkness in the sorcery and magic. That really added to the story for me.

On the other hand, I just didn't like the characters at all. Alwenna was such a 'distant' character - I found it hard to connect with her and her indifference to those around her. And Weaver, well, I just don't think the author could have made them any more "opposite" if she tried. And it seemed just so they had a story - constant bickering etc, trying to create a relationship that I never bought in to.

Overall, a great story for the start of a series that, for me, was let down by the characters...


Paul
ARH