This book started a little slow for me, but once I became familiar with the characters and the storyline it was a very enjoyable read. 
 The story follows three siblings and the events that happen after their father, the emperor, has been murdered. Adare is the eldest, and has been promoted to Minister of Finance for the empire upon the untimely death of her father. Kaden, the oldest son and heir to the Unhewn Throne, has been living with monks in a remote mountain village called Ashk'lan for the past eight years. Their brother Valyn, has spent the last eight years training to become an elite warrior called a Kettral on The Qirin Islands. 
 A good start to this series. Great characters, interesting history, and an ending that sets the next book up nicely. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes. 
 4 stars!!!