3.5 stars 
 "You don't need wings to fly, she chirped. 
 What do you need, Daughter? I asked softly. 
 She looked up at me, her big, black eyes alight with knowledge, and she smiled. 
 Words." 
 I have some seriously mixed feelings about this one, because I went into it expecting fantasy with a hint of romance. I did not know it was more in the fantasy-romance genre. Which I don't mind, I have read a couple, but I must say that I was not really a fan of the romance here. 
 The writing, however, was delectable. Harmon has a gift of weaving beautiful imagery and summarizing strong emotions with a few words. I was completely hooked by the writing. 
 "to heal with herbs and soothe with my touch. I learned wisdom and wariness, and I learned to patiently accept and quietly wait." 
 The fantasy portion was great. Superb world building, strong magical history and unique magic that kept me intrigued. Harsh, violent beasts attack the population with a faceless, sinister master orchestrating it. A spin I was not expecting! 
 The romance.. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of the whole alpha-male thing. In most books the author manages to sugar coat it with enough sweet gestures, heart-wrenching devotion and palpable love that I manage to stomach the "me man, you woman" thing. Here, my feminist spirit was roaring in outrage. 
 "Kjell is right. You are a dangerous little bird. But I think I will keep you." 
 "You are a great use to me. I will put a child in your belly. A son who will be king.'' 
 ''Because you just said you know nothing about being a queen. Because I am king. And because it is your duty to please me.'' 
 And he didn't make Lark feel special. 
 I felt claimed without being wanted. 
 I have all the power, but you will destroy me. 
 So yes, the romance made me rather unhappy. But you know what? 
 I would still recommend this book. 
 The writing and fantasy deserve the chance. And maybe other people will react differently to the romance than I did!