A Blog of Books and Tea

(Kindle Unlimited book)

Tropes:

• Military Academy
• Found Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Dragons 🐉
• Sassy Familiar 🐦‍⬛
• Magic
• Slow Burn
• “Who hurt you?”
• Fated Mates💞
• Enemies to Lovers
• Hidden Royalty 😶‍🌫️👸

Stars – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis – When a young princess’ world is torn apart by the murder of her parents, she is forced to hide her identity from the world. Forced to endure torture at the hands of her own people. Forced to forget her past, except for the promise she was forced to keep. Until she can’t. Will Phixmery force her to break her promise? Will she forge her own path?

Thoughts – Let me just start by saying… Wow! I loved this book way more than I expected to. I usually struggle when it comes to a 1st person narrative, but holy crap it works in this book. The author has a unique voice that resonates deeply, making every moment engaging and relatable. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and I couldn’t put the book down. It was a delightful surprise to discover how much I connected with the protagonist’s journey.

There is extensive world building in the first quarter of this book that helps you to understand the plot further into the book, creating a rich tapestry of details that fully immerses you in the story. I absolutely love the idea of the different races having unique powers, which adds depth and intrigue to the narrative; it allows for a variety of conflicts and alliances to form, enhancing the stakes for all characters involved.

As we witness the FMC – Ravina – coming into her own powers, it’s not just a thrilling experience but also a testament to her growth and resilience. Seeing her navigate the complexities of her abilities while contending with the weight of her past is compelling. It’s hard not to admire her strength, especially in light of the atrocities she has faced throughout her early years, which shape her motivations and drive her actions as she seeks to forge her path in this new world.

And lets not forget the best damned familiar a Fae could have – Nero. This little sassy raven is a delight. He is equal parts loving and murderous and it is a vibe. He is extremely loyal to Ravina, and their relationship is the pillar on which this book is written. He doesn’t allow her to be a recluse. He wants her to spread her proverbial wings and kick some ass. I love it.

Ravina makes some fantastic “ride or die” friends throughout this book, each one being unique in their own special way. This close-knit group helps Ravina flourish without taking any credit, which is the kind of friends anyone would wish for. Their unwavering support and encouragement serve as a solid foundation for her personal growth. Every friend brings a different perspective and skill set to the table, enriching Ravina’s life in unforeseen ways. It’s this camaraderie that truly illustrates the importance of having genuine friends who uplift and inspire each other, creating an environment where they all can thrive.

Last but not least – the three MMcs are a whirlwind of intrigue. They are equal parts “alpha-holes” and hot as hell, capturing attention with their magnetic personalities and undeniable charms. I can’t quite tell whether I should love them or hate them in any given moment, a tug-of-war of emotions that leaves me both frustrated and fascinated. Until I read their POVs, which provide a window into their complex minds and reveal the vulnerabilities hidden beneath their tough exteriors. These characters are just as damaged as Ravina, which makes you want to give them a squeeze and whisper that everything will be okay! I’m hoping to learn more about them in the second book, exploring their backstories and motivations in greater depth, and to see more of their character growth as they navigate their challenges and perhaps even begin to heal.

Overall, I loved this book. I cannot wait to see the result of that cliffhanger! It had me gasping! I can already tell the second book is going to be a wild ride!