This book is equal parts fun fantasy story and extra horny high school drama.
The main character, Violet, is a Seer. She was born in the slums, realized her gift, and was able to use her foresight to save the life of the kingdom’s prince who would have been killed without her intervention. This brought her to the King’s attention, and made her part of the royal court. But it also angered the Fates: the prince was supposed to die that day, and Violet interfered. There will be consequences, and there are a few dire prophecies about it.
All of that happens some years before the start of the book. In the years since, Prince Cyrus and Violet have developed a deep antipathy for each other. They can hardly exchange a word without throwing in a barb, though they are each very close to Cyrus’ sister (who is mostly amused at their sniping at each other) and their mutual friend Dante (who is mostly resigned).
The book begins with Cyrus dragging his feet about looking for a bride, and Violet a trusted advisor to the King. He takes a very utilitarian view of Violet’s abilities: prophecies are very useful for a king, after all, and having someone who can make vague mysterious pronouncements about the future and say they’re prophecies and be believed is also very useful. Violet is a cynical and pragmatic person, and has no objection to doing this, as the King has always treated her fairly. This time, he’s having her make some pronouncements to point Cyrus towards the woman the King has decided Cyrus should marry.
Even if it wasn’t mentioned in the blurb, it’s not hard to see where this is going. Violet’s and Cyrus’ mutual dislike isn’t quite as … straightforward, shall we say? … as it looks. Hence my description of this as an “extremely horny high school drama.”
Meanwhile, trouble is, of course, a’ brewin. Prophecies, intrigues, witches, monsters, etc.
This book is fun. It’s unapologetically tropey, especially if you like a will-they-or-won’t-they story where the couple in question alternates between making out and hating each other with dizzying frequency. If you’re tired of … gestures vaguely at everything … it’s a good diversion.
Comes out July 26.
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