They rode on in silence until Arin said, "Kestrel." 
 She waited, then realized that he wasn't speaking to her, exactly. He was simply saying her name, considering it, exploring the syllables of the Valorian word. 
 She said, "I hope you're not going to pretend you don't know what it means." 
 He shot her a wry, sidelong look. "A kestrel is a hunting hawk." 
 "Yes. The perfect name for a warrior girl." 
 "Well." His smile was slight, but it was there. "I suppose neither of us is the person we were believed we would become." 
 "Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous." 
 Kestrel, born to be a warrior, but bleeds into the notes of music. 
 Arin, meant to be more, now treated as less. 
 Ten years ago the Valorians conquered the Herrani, enslaving them. The repercussions of loss still in affect now. 
 Kestrel is the daughter of the general, whom has made a dire mistake. 
 After stumbling upon an auction at which a startling young slave is for sale at, Kestrel can't help but be drawn to his defying nature. On an impulse, she purchases him. 
 The cost, she soon realizes, may have been more than just money. 
 As lies unwind and love flourishes, they must all come to a decision. 
 Is the game of hearts worth the price? 
 For the god of lies may love you, but truly, there are some truths you do not see coming. 
 Character descriptions: 
 Kestrel: 
 "The god of lies must love you, you see things so clearly." 
 Arin: 
 "My soul is yours," he said. "You know that it is." 
 It's usually very difficult for me to hand out four star reviews. Mostly they are reserved for books that are dear to me or memorable. To my surprise, I didn't dislike this novel. I honestly thought I would. I'm not a huge fan of romance and this plot was very romance driven. It was to a point where, when the love interests were separated, you received sporadic time jumps. 
 Yes there where the interests were not together, but in a way they still leaked onto the page through thought. 
 Besides this, I found it to be light in a way. Maybe it was the classic tale of forbidden love in a Victorian era? I can't decide, all I know is that the writing and plot were exactly what I wanted at the moment. 
 The love story was enjoyable. To begin with, I was not "shipping" anyone. I don't think I ship anyone at the moment in this series, it all seemed natural that there was never a point to completely root for them. The hate to love relationship was heartwarming in my opinion. It's always rewarding for me to see two characters grow, without the instalove. 
 If anything I liked both male characters introduced. Equally I cared for Ronan as I did for the male lead Arin. Though, this could be because I've apparently grown a liking to Ronan's. 
 The entire story almost seemed Romeo and Juliet-esque. From the forbidden love to the undying devotion. I promise it did not end the same, though. 
 Other than the heavy, yet tame love fest, I enjoyed the world. Now, like my weakness towards any plot that involves super powers, I'm all over anything set in a medieval/Victorian era. Everything seems so much more lovely and vivid with hand stitched gowns, sword fighting, and horses. 
 The author, took a risk with the female lead. at first I did not see appeal in the heroine. She didn't want to fight and she stomped off when in disagreement. Soon, she transformed and I saw what the author was trying to do. Instead of making the MC the typical "fight for my people" warrior, she created a strategist. 
 The action seemed moderate in a way. Once you make it through the first fifty pages the world starts to come alive more and follow with the pace. 
 World building is still required for future novels, since I didn't feel that there was enough background on it. 
 Mini playlist: 
 Stay With Me- Sam Smith(Instrumental) 
 Still In My Blood - Zara Larsson 
 Say Something(Instrumental)- A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera 
 Overall thoughts: