WOW. So, this book’s cover drew me in with its Lord of the Rings looking cover, its beautiful and the synopsis had me intrigued but it couldn’t prepare me for the world within its pages. This is the first book I have read by Amabel Daniels, and I am truly in awe, no matter how fast I read it wasn’t fast enough.
From the first page you quickly discover that Maren is not some meek woman that will do as she’s told and be stepped all over. I quickly got the feeling of Dran being like the wildling’s village north of the wall in Game of Thrones. An isolated snow- and ice-covered land where nothing was easy, and an untold number of dangers lurked in the Sord Forest surrounding Dran. Maren is the only healer in the village. When the deputy arrives at her home to arrest her younger sister Maren does as she always does, she protects her sister. Knowing that she is more valuable to the village than they will ever acknowledge she threatens the deputy to stop making his tonic for the unfortunate ailment he got from a brothel in the next village over. Taking Maren in everything begins to change, the wind is different and everything in Maren is alert with danger near. Being defended against an impending attack in jail Maren quickly then defends the man who defended her using her blade for the first time in her life, drawing blood that soon sets everything in motion. The bell signals that Dran is under attack, the windows are smashed in and frecens fill the jail as screams soon follow. After every turn the mystery man that defended her Kane, both infuriates her and fills her in with wonder. Never leaving her side they escape Dran, years of dreaming of the moment she is quickly filled with a new sensation, her senses overwhelmed, and memories and current events blur her understanding. Waking up in a cage once more, she feels the danger in the wind. Kane tells her she is a fae and while continuing to deny it, the fae are royalty and she clearly is nothing special in her life. She continues to know when danger is near.
Is Maren truly a fae, if so, where is she from? Can Kane fulfill his mission and more so what is his mission? Will Maren be able to find the mythical plant to save her sister? The world the author creates fills you with wonder, you can picture the stunning creatures and see the landscapes in your mind. The characters are multifaceted, both strong and emotional, even when they fight to hide them. Through everything Kane stays beside Maren never abandoning her, even when it would guarantee his survival. He is in this with her, they are partners, and alliance. I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series First Queen, May 26th, 2023.