**Thank you to Hachette Australia and Netgalley for sending me a ARC in return for an honest review. 
 4 stars!!! 
 When I started to read this book, I have to admit I did find it a bit confusing and hard to get into. Fortunately, I'm glad to have kept at it because the story turned out better than I expected. I would classify this novel as new adult as opposed to young adult as there are adult situations within the book. Besides this, I feel that Callie Bates writes beautifully. I found the worldbuilding exceptionally intriguing, as well as the prose, flowed smoothly. The magic system in place was written gorgeously and I liked how the system was based on nature. The descriptions were very vivid and colourful. I also commend her for the complex history of the characters' world as well as the beliefs that they held. I felt that these details added richness to the overall plot. I also enjoyed how the world was built around the Rococo period from the descriptions of the clothes and setting. This point of reference helped to visualise the world from a distinctly French-inspired period angle. 
 In terms of the characters, Elanna was an engaging character and we see significant development her character as the story unravels. However, I couldn't really relate to her and I found many of her actions irritating. She is painted as a woman who is fierce and is on a journey of self discovery. But it seems that she is being constantly saved by others. In this regard, I feel the minor characters played a major role in adding dimension to the story as opposed to the MC. She does redeem herself towards the end of the novel, but by then, I had given up on endearing to her character. I just found the plot to be more enticing. 
 The overall plot of the novel is infused with politics, betrayal, romance, family drama, murder and so on. There were a lot of action sequences which were thrilling. But, I have to admit that some chapters did contain a lot of info-dumping which slowed down the pacing of the plot. On the other hand, I did find the revelations and tying up of loose ends to be satisfying if not a bit rushed. Since, this book is part of a series I would have preferred a more dramatic end or some sort of cliff hanger. The same could be said of the romance, it felt like the MC had won on many levels. I would have preferred a messier ending to have me more excited for the sequel. Anyway, I still did enjoy the book for its complexity and writing. I would recommend reading this novel if you are looking for something a tad bit unique in the upper YA/NA fantasy genre. Just keep i mind, that it is quite a heavy read, I wouldn't say call it a light afternoon sort of novel :)