**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

I have so many mixed feelings about his book. The best way to describe it is: cool concept, poor execution.

I was hesitant to start this book because of the love triangle that is hinted at in the synopsis. I'm not a fan of those at all but I do adore forbidden romances and the politics of the world intrigued me.

Thankfully, the love triangle isn't a huge focus of this story. Unfortunately, there isn't much else to the plot either.

The romance itself is sudden and something that I wouldn't have known was going to happen if if wasn't for the synopsis. There was a zero chemistry between Conrad and Arianna for the longest time. She had more chemistry with Roland, without a doubt.

As for the rest of the plot, there really wasn't anything else happening. It's unfortunate that Roland's POV is lost for a majority of the novel because he is actually out doing something. And while it was nice to see Arianna grow up a bit while back at the palace, nothing exciting was happening there either. That's why I wish the romance was stronger because it would have given the plot some direction.

That's the biggest shame of all because what happens at the end is great. The twists and revelations are captivating; the type of stuff that made me pick up this book in the first place.

BUT WAIT: don't forget the fact that there is an entire--ENTIRE--key chapter missing before the end. A chapter that fills in so many holes it is very much required to be a part of the original novel. Because, if you finish the book without that chapter, you read and interpret it one way. However, if you read it with that chapter, the ending is completely different.

Conclusion: right idea, wrong way of going about it.

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Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-27U
Actual Rating: 1/5 ( )