This was probably one of my favourite books of this year, although it was a little slow to get through at times. It has some wonderful world-building, a badass heroine with dark intentions, the enemies to lovers trope clearly woven through the story, and well thought out characters. The world-building is unique, with a Kingdom surrounded by a jungle. Princess Lara has always been raised to one day marry the enemy King of Ithicana and become its downfall, by breaking the bridge from the inside out. Raised in the desert Kingdom of Maridrina, she’s not used to the amount of water that she has to come across after marrying the King, who she has always believed is cruel, and so she’s forced to trust in him and the people he cares for, despite their own distrust in him. This quickly builds a friendship between them that she isn’t expecting. But she’s very careful to find out more information and discover their weaknesses.
When the betrayal does come, it shakes both of their worlds and defines their characters. Especially King Aren’s, who is both hurt and angry at her actions, but clearly loves her. It leads up to a possible sequel, when Lara is forced to flee, knowing that she will not survive being in Ithicana when they hear of her betrayal.
April Grace 