Full Text Review(s)
"Golding, who penned the Cat Royal series, proves in this first title in a new series that she is as equally adept with fantasy as she is with mystery. Trouble is brewing in the Known Worlds. King Lagan ac Burinholt, desperately hoping to gain allies, arranges a marriage between his son, Ramil, and Taoshira, Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands. The betrothed pair loathe each other on sight, but after they are both kidnapped, the story takes off. Descriptions of the Known Worlds are vivid and include intricate religions and fascinating political machinations. It is clear from the start that Rami and Tashi will fall in love, and their evolving relationship powers the story. The cast of characters is large and appealing, especially a circus strongman and a horse with immense personality. Golding ramps up the action with plenty of danger, battles, and narrow escapes, and she nicely resolves her various plotlines in a satisfying conclusion. Perfect for fans of political fantasies like Hilari Bell’s Farsala Trilogy books."

* "Establishing one’s sense of self, working and sacrificing for a greater purpose, and accepting and understanding people’s differences are all strong themes in this British import. The arranged marriage between the reserved and disciplined Princess Taoshira, 16, and the rogue Prince Ramil, 18, is not an appealing prospect to either teen. But their lands need to form a strong bond of diplomatic connections in order to fend off attacks from the bloodthirsty warlord Fergox Spearthrower, and they have been called upon to do what is right for their people. Their relationship gets off to a disastrous start and goes downhill from there. Taoshira is put off by his brash and loud behavior that fails to recognize or respect her values and traditions while Ramil finds her cold, unworthy of her title, and completely unappealing. When the two are kidnapped, a riveting adventure ensues and opposites attract. Although the arc of the love story is fairly standard, the subplots make it an engaging read for a variety of readers. Romance, trickery, graphic and bloody fight scenes, adventure, religious persecution, and politics are all a part of this compelling tale."

"The country of Holt threatens war upon the surrounding countries in the known world. Those countries form an alliance and make an unusual pact—requiring one prince and one princess to marry. When the Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands arrives in Gerfal, she is unhappy with her new situation and insulted by Gerfal’s lack of protocol. They know nothing of her ways. Taoshira is not used to such treatment and takes offense. Neither she nor her betrothed, Prince Ramil, are interested in this alliance. They realize that they must perform the duty their countries ask of them, but that was before their kidnapping, the religious persecution, and their imprisonment.
Written in alternating perspectives, this novel flows beautifully and is addicting. The cover might not attract readers, but it reflects the tale’s thematic elements. Tashi is depicted as a pious princess, but readers soon understand the depth of her character through her feisty attitude and independent streak. Ramil at first behaves in a childish manner, but he grows into a hero worthy of any princess. Secondary meaty characters round out the cast of outlaws trying to take down the evil emperor from Holt. Golding writes a fantastical romantic masterpiece full of adventure, betrayal, near misses, combat, and loyalty."

"The Blue Crescent Islands are known for the formality of their customs and the seriousness of their commitment to Goddess worship. In contrast, inhabitants of the mainland kingdoms are rough and tumble, even more so now that they are in danger of being overtaken by Fergox Spearthrower, a warlord who worships the bloodthirsty god Holin, whose priests worship by fighting each other to the death in public ritual sacrifices. King Lagan hopes to ward off invasion by Fergox by forming an alliance through marriage between his son, Ramil, and Princess Tashi of the Blue Crescent Islands. Ramil’s blunt, overly familiar behavior offends the demure, rule-bound Tashi immediately, but when the two are kidnapped by Fergox’s agents, the strength of custom is overcome by their need to survive and strategize. Their perilous journey following their escape is leavened with humor as they collect colorful allies along the way and sweetened by romance as they explore their developing feelings for each other. Indeed, the balance between danger, humor, and romance is near perfect as the characters explore their religious commitments in the face of their doubts, as well as the meaning of the leadership responsibilities that accompany their titles. The political intrigue is easy to follow in the well-constructed fictional world (even though it’s an imaginary realm, there’s no magic), and by the end, the engaging ensemble of characters has slotted neatly into a new, benevolent power structure, making this a good choice for those just getting into the genre of the long adventure novel."