This novel was a very interesting novel from my perspective because it included all the fantasy tidbits that I personally enjoyed. This would be appropriate for fans of Sarah J. Maas (aka Throne of Glass and ACOTAR), especially if you are having a book hangover like I did.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

The story is about this girl called Lor. She is currently stuck in this high-stake prison that she’s been in for twelve years with her brother and sister for a crime they did not commit. The conditions are rough, as they have no clean water, no beds, and are all half-starved. The life expectancy there are around a year or two. The prison is meant to die in, and no one is ever released.

After she gets in a big fight with another girl, she gets put into the Hollow, in which no one ever survives. She’s sentenced for two weeks with no food, no water, and no shelter from the wild magical animals that gobble up humans like her.

After about a week, she suddenly gets rescued by one of the soldiers from a far away kingdom. She wakes up in luxurious clothing, a bed made for a queen, and a maid. As the story progresses, she realizes she is in a trial competing for the Sun King’s heart and the Sun King is very interested in her, even though she is very much overlooked by all the other beautiful fae competing for his heart as well.

As she competes in one trial after another, she somehow survives each and every one. She questions her abilities until she overhears the Sun King, Atlas, and her guard talking about her which makes her question why the King favors her and what she has to offer him (which she thinks is nothing).

The ending I will not spoil because I think it was very surprising to say the least because the story unfolds in a way that wasn’t expected. It is not as good as ACOTAR or Throne of Glass, but its close enough that it will get you hooked instantly!