Rae is a cripple in everyone's eyes, nothing will ever become of her. At least that is Rae's outlook on everyone else's thoughts. Rae's lifelong goal is to grow old with her sister in their parents home, each looking after the other. Because although Rae's difference is evident, her sister's is not and no-one can know what it is.
Although she doesn't know it, Rae's life changes that day she goes to the market with her family and that of her very best friend. The day her best friend's sister is snatched. And no-one can find her.
Shortly after, Rae goes to the capital at her cousins request to be her companion. Cousin Melly is a member of the court and needs someone from her family with her. After arriving at the court, Rae is asked to work for a member of the Royal family and though reluctant at first, she seems to grow to like her new employer.
There is danger all around from the infighting within the court and from outside the Palace walls. Rae falls prey to that and is kidnapped. That is when her real adventure begins.
Intisar has put a lot of depth and detail into her book. The characters are realistic and the reader will most likely warm to them (depending on the nature of the character of course - you wouldn't warm to an evil baddy, would you now?).
I haven't covered half of what goes on in the book, I really don't want to spoil it for anyone. It is an extremely engaging read and although she says that she didn't want to run it over into another book, Intisar has actually written the right amount to make the story work, which means that she is going to have to continue the story in another book. And I will be very happy to read the second in the series when it is published.
Regarding quotes from books, they are a little snippet from within the core, they are not the story. They cannot convey the depth of what is within.
"Back home, everyone calls me Rae.” Her smile is brighter, truer, as she says, “Rae, then. Thank you.”"
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley. I am delighted to provide a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
5/5 Stars (What this means... Star ratings)
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Official description:
Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Sorcery of Thorns, this exhilarating, page-turning fantasy will pull readers into a lush and stunning world where nothing—and no one—can be trusted.
They do not believe this evil is real. They may not care. But I do.
Children have been disappearing from Menaiya for longer than Amraeya ni Ansarim can remember. Snatched from the streets, never to be seen again—or returned with unspeakable trauma. When her friend’s sister is snatched, Rae knows she can’t look away any longer - even if that means seeking answers from the royal court, where her country upbringing and clubfoot will only invite ridicule.
Yet the court holds its share of surprises. There she discovers an ally in the foreign princess, who recruits her as an attendant. Armed with the princess’s support, Rae seeks answers in the dark city streets, finding unexpected help in a rough-around-the-edges street thief with secrets of his own.
But treachery runs deep, and the more Rae uncovers, the more she endangers herself, and even the kingdom itself.
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I buy my glasses online now, I was dubious at first. Now I'll keep on buying them from Glasses Direct, it you do too, you can get a discount off your first order over £49:
