This book contains:

• References to, and depictions of mass murder
• References to slavery
• Mild depictions of child sex slavery
• Depictions of torture and murder
• Depiction of suicide.

Neer is the main character whose point of view we follow throughout. She’s already been through an incredible amount of trauma given she’s in her early twenties, and she’s continuing to fight for her freedom. The Order of Saro has hunted her her whole life, purely because she can wield magic, which is forbidden and considered even by The Order.

Loryk saved Neer from slavery as a child and has been by her side for most of her life since then. He’s absolutely committed to her, and wants to keep her safe, despite the fact he’s a bard not a solider.

Avelloch if an evae (elf) who prefers his own company and doesn’t appear to have a clear life goal. The main thing we know about him is that he’s an incredible fighter.

Neer is on a quest to rid herself of a curse that links her to the High Priest of The Order of Saro. That link means whenever she uses her magic, he can find her and enslave her again. That slavery is what she wants to escape at all costs, including her life if it comes to it.

I read the first 10,000 words of this book as part of the 2023 BBNYA competition and I was so upset when it didn’t make it through to the final round that I went ahead and bought it to read.

As I was reading, I found myself feeling like I was reading an off-shoot of The Wheel of Time (which I’m also currently reading for the first time), and maybe some Lord of the Rings as well. After reading Newell’s bio and her love of Tolkien, Sapkowski and Jordan, those hints made a lot of sense.

While the execution wasn’t quite as smooth as them, but I honestly wouldn’t expect that from an author’s debut book. While some of the transitions felt jarring, and a couple of points it felt like the characters contradicted themselves, these little details get worked out with a good editor and experience.

Also, I feel like Newell is more skilled in the fantasy aspects than the romance aspects. Most of the aspects I had issues with surrounded the romance aspect, generally because the timing and lead up just didn’t feel authentic or likely in that moment.

However, I really enjoyed reading this throughout the whole book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!