This enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance follows a strong-willed, sword-wielding heroine who takes control of her own destiny.
Anna Halmich's new life in the Kingdom of Albion starts with her attending Centaur Ladies' Academy, where she must learn the ways of an elegant noblewoman... which Anna is most certainly not! Her total lack of refinement comes in handy when she rescues her classmate, Claire, from a group of high-status bullies led by Iris Eclipse— Prince Kenneth's actual fiancee?! But if she's his fiancee, what exactly does that make Anna?! Enraged by her fate as a political pawn, Anna joins Claire in her mission to disrupt the country's corrupt hierarchy... but will Kenneth be an ally or enemy in this fight? And what will Anna do when Kenneth commands her...
After a triggering incident in volume one, I was very unsure how I would feel about this one. I was bummed that Anna and Kenneth seem to be "splitting" as their banter and interactions together were the highlight of volume one!
However, things were far from dull in this volume as Anna makes a new friend AND finds out a lot more about what's going on in her new home! I was glad she found an ally because she is AMAZING! I am excited to see more of her, especially since she seems to know a lot about what's happening in the country and Kenneth's actions!
Speaking of, THAT LAST CHAPTER WAS EPIC!! We love to see a FL absolutely slay and not put up with being mocked or put down! The way Anna handled business and completely swept the other person off their feet was AWESOME! One of the most engaging and epic chapters I have read in a while that had me cheering in the school car line waiting to my get kids!
Honestly, this volume was really good, but I would go as far as to say to just read that last chapter alone because of how amazing it was! I will be reading volume three though because I think this series is picking up steam and am liking that all the secrets are out!
I was concerned about some of the more predictable plot elements introduced in this, but all is not as it seems. Anna is a strong character because of her conviction, but she's also adaptable and open-minded. The prince loses some of his dark demeanor in this volume, which was to be expected even if not so soon. But if his intensity is redirected towards his devotion to Anna, then I'm more than okay with it.
Anna, the titular Margrave's daughter, is the odd one out in her family. She takes after her father and is more interested in weapons and warfare than she is in being a lady. When things go wrong on the battlefield against the enemy kingdom, Anna is given over to the enemy kingdom's general as peace offering. Anna has no intention of going quietly and when she finds herself in a violent situation with the general, non other than the enemy prince comes to her aid. The pince, however, has his own plans for her.
The art is absolutely beautiful and this is a promising start to the series. Anna is so far quite the typical arch type character of noble lady who would rather swing a sword, but I definitely like her so far. There is a good balance between humour and dark scenes that make the stakes feel reasonably high. The prince's motives are hard to read so I think this series will offer interesting romance dynamics.
Definitely a fast paced story. There's a lot of chapters in each volume and it covers a lot of ground. There's definitely no fluff between the chapters or even in the chapters. Meat and potatoes, no salad or dessert lol.
In spite of how straightforward and slim it is I can't really complain about it because it's in a streamlined way. The story feels well-paced despite being fast and keeps you engaged. You're not really left any time for boredom but none of the bits seem irrelevant. You still have lots of character development and plot development even if there isn't really any setting development. And despite how you think along the way the characters are still likable, even the prince who often comes off is calculating in despicable seems to have a side to him that intrigues the reader despite You're better judgment.
It was kind of messy but also entertaining. I don't think this feels fresh anyway. It feels like its hitting plot points a little not like other girls but its not annoying me. I like her friend she made at school.