2.5 to 3 stars!!! 
 Where do I even start with this book? The writing is very clunky and the pacing is very slow. I was confused through at least 50% of the novel because nothing was explained properly. There's lack of worldbuilding as well. I was hoping for some descriptions regarding the magic system and the world that our characters were involved in but I didn't get anything of the sort. With regards to history of the world, even that was lacking. My basic idea is that the world is based on the seven virtues and there's something about wind power. 
 Secondly, the characters are so bland. It's like they are a mix of different characters from other books that I have read. Not one of them is unique or interesting. While I enjoyed the fact that there was no romance and the book focused on sibling relationship along with rivalry. I couldn't relate to it. I mean their relationship was so weak. I get that the MC Carys seems more feisty than her brother Andreus. But I could see from a mile away what was going to happen to them. As I said, this story wasn't fresh or original. Even the minor characters are like cardboard cutouts. They add nothing to the overall storyline. 
 Thirdly, the book deals with a lot of political deceit and court life, secrets, murder and such. However, all of this is relayed to the reader in the driest form imaginable. I think I tried DNfing this book twice. The only positives about this book were that it picked up in the last few chapters. There's a bit of action there. I wish the author had thought of adding more heart thumping and engaging chapters throughout the novel to make it more lively. Plus, we get some interesting reveals. This helped to bump up my rating to a 3 star. But, as I said, this book is just mediocre. I have come across way more captivating YA fantasy novels than this one for sure.