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Kingdoms of the Fae #2
Of Towers and Assassins
She’s destined to bring a kingdom to its knees…
Eilah has a special talent for killing. She’s made a career of it, but each kill has been just one more step along the way to fulfilling her destiny; destroying the kingdom of Frigarth. The water-filled nation struck deep at Hera, Mother of Assassins, and Eilah intends to execute her revenge.
So why doesn’t she kill the Frigarthian soldier that comes in search of their lost princess? Raiden still bears the scar from their last encounter, and the bitterness that goes along with it.
When Raiden’s desperation saves her life, Eilah agrees to an uneasy truce, one she plans to end as soon as possible. But Raiden makes a stunning declaration that threatens to change everything, if she can just open herself up long enough to believe him.
A fae Rapunzel retelling with enemies to lovers, shifters, ice magic, and plenty of banter. Perfect for fans of Powerless and Throne of Glass!
Eilah has a special talent for killing. She’s made a career of it, but each kill has been just one more step along the way to fulfilling her destiny; destroying the kingdom of Frigarth. The water-filled nation struck deep at Hera, Mother of Assassins, and Eilah intends to execute her revenge.
So why doesn’t she kill the Frigarthian soldier that comes in search of their lost princess? Raiden still bears the scar from their last encounter, and the bitterness that goes along with it.
When Raiden’s desperation saves her life, Eilah agrees to an uneasy truce, one she plans to end as soon as possible. But Raiden makes a stunning declaration that threatens to change everything, if she can just open herself up long enough to believe him.
A fae Rapunzel retelling with enemies to lovers, shifters, ice magic, and plenty of banter. Perfect for fans of Powerless and Throne of Glass!
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Tiani Davids
7 books33 followersTiani Davids is the author of The Eldrasian Chronicles, a young adult fantasy completed at the end of 2023. She has since begun a series of standalone fairytale retellings. Tiani is a lover of reading, writing, and all things Tolkien.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 28, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to read this ahead of release!
I absolutely loved this book. Devoured it. It’s an easy read and I was captivated for the entire ride. I am a sucker for a book with action, adventure and a touch of violence. This book had it all right from the get go!
Eliah is my dream, badass assassin, this is my character hands down in Skyrim! I love her so much. Trained from her youth under the ever watchful eye of ‘mother’.
Enter Raiden, gorgeous fae solider on the hunt for the missing princess. Team’s up with Eliah, who reluctantly agrees. Their journey provides banter, longing, betrayal and secret identities.
A Magic fairytale retelling. I loved this book.
I absolutely loved this book. Devoured it. It’s an easy read and I was captivated for the entire ride. I am a sucker for a book with action, adventure and a touch of violence. This book had it all right from the get go!
Eliah is my dream, badass assassin, this is my character hands down in Skyrim! I love her so much. Trained from her youth under the ever watchful eye of ‘mother’.
Enter Raiden, gorgeous fae solider on the hunt for the missing princess. Team’s up with Eliah, who reluctantly agrees. Their journey provides banter, longing, betrayal and secret identities.
A Magic fairytale retelling. I loved this book.
July 30, 2025
Of Towers and Assassins is a thrilling, emotionally charged fantasy that gripped me from the very first page. Tiani Davids delivers a masterfully woven tale of betrayal, resilience, and found family, all wrapped in rich world-building and lyrical prose.
The characters are unforgettable—flawed, fierce, and achingly real. The tension between duty and desire is beautifully explored, and the pacing never falters. Every twist feels earned, and the emotional stakes are sky-high.
Tiani Davids is a powerful new voice in fantasy, and this book is a shining example of bold, character-driven storytelling done right. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
The characters are unforgettable—flawed, fierce, and achingly real. The tension between duty and desire is beautifully explored, and the pacing never falters. Every twist feels earned, and the emotional stakes are sky-high.
Tiani Davids is a powerful new voice in fantasy, and this book is a shining example of bold, character-driven storytelling done right. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
April 29, 2025
Tiani David’s new release Of Towers and Assassins is an Urban Fantasy (Fae) retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale. It follows two main characters, Eilah, a young woman who has spent her entire life being trained for one thing – being an assassin. She works for Hera, Mother of Assassins, and is on a mission to not only kill several people, but strike down the King and Queen of Frigarth to destroy the kingdom in revenge.
The other main character is Raiden, an elite soldier and trusted advisor to the King and Queen of Frigarth, who has, for the last 17yrs, been trying to find their missing daughter, the princess of Frigarth, who was kidnapped in a deadly raid on the kingdom that saw multiple deaths on both sides.
Raiden has been hunting the assassin for near on two years, believing that she has a link to the missing princess, after the two fought, and the assassin wounded Raiden, but, for some reason, she did not kill him.
Raiden has the opportunity to save her life, and does so, and as a result, the two come to an uneasy truce, as Raiden makes a request for having saved her life. Raiden tells her something that she doesn’t want to hear, especially from her enemy, and Eilah finds her world beginning to unravel around her.
The character work is exceptional in this book. Eilah is this hardened assassin, but she is also very young, most of her relationships having been with other assassins and this Mother figure, all who have abused her in some way. It has eroded any sense of trust she has, making her a hard person, but at her core, there is still a soft side, as we uncover when she tells various parts of her story to Raiden. Eilah’s character is fascinating as we watch her begin to open up to this person who she has previously tried to kill, and to some extent still considers an enemy. But now things are changing.
Raiden is equally brilliant, the hardened solider, determined to find the missing princess, having spent 17yrs set on this task. Even though Fae have a longer life span, 17yrs is still a long time to dedicate to a single task, and he has been relentless in his hunt, tracking down every lead, and his latest is this assassin.
But he finds this young woman to be a conundrum, a deadly assassin, but she has not only let him go previously, and even now, has not tried to kill him, but has not killed others she should have? Who is this Eilah?
The world building for this story is built around the Rapunzel fairy tale, a retelling of the original story, but with a Fae, Urban Fantasy setting, and some elements of other versions of the story (there are definitely elements of things like ‘Tangled’ in this story – having watched it with my daughter’s countless times, I can see influences of this, but also other versions). The world is one with several kingdoms in conflict, a ruthless assassin’s guild, and a kingdom with a missing princess that is struggling to survive.
For anyone who loves fairy tale retellings – this is an absolute must read, but also for anyone who loves Urban Fantasy, as it is just a fantastic story. One of the standout’s of the genre this year!
The other main character is Raiden, an elite soldier and trusted advisor to the King and Queen of Frigarth, who has, for the last 17yrs, been trying to find their missing daughter, the princess of Frigarth, who was kidnapped in a deadly raid on the kingdom that saw multiple deaths on both sides.
Raiden has been hunting the assassin for near on two years, believing that she has a link to the missing princess, after the two fought, and the assassin wounded Raiden, but, for some reason, she did not kill him.
Raiden has the opportunity to save her life, and does so, and as a result, the two come to an uneasy truce, as Raiden makes a request for having saved her life. Raiden tells her something that she doesn’t want to hear, especially from her enemy, and Eilah finds her world beginning to unravel around her.
The character work is exceptional in this book. Eilah is this hardened assassin, but she is also very young, most of her relationships having been with other assassins and this Mother figure, all who have abused her in some way. It has eroded any sense of trust she has, making her a hard person, but at her core, there is still a soft side, as we uncover when she tells various parts of her story to Raiden. Eilah’s character is fascinating as we watch her begin to open up to this person who she has previously tried to kill, and to some extent still considers an enemy. But now things are changing.
Raiden is equally brilliant, the hardened solider, determined to find the missing princess, having spent 17yrs set on this task. Even though Fae have a longer life span, 17yrs is still a long time to dedicate to a single task, and he has been relentless in his hunt, tracking down every lead, and his latest is this assassin.
But he finds this young woman to be a conundrum, a deadly assassin, but she has not only let him go previously, and even now, has not tried to kill him, but has not killed others she should have? Who is this Eilah?
The world building for this story is built around the Rapunzel fairy tale, a retelling of the original story, but with a Fae, Urban Fantasy setting, and some elements of other versions of the story (there are definitely elements of things like ‘Tangled’ in this story – having watched it with my daughter’s countless times, I can see influences of this, but also other versions). The world is one with several kingdoms in conflict, a ruthless assassin’s guild, and a kingdom with a missing princess that is struggling to survive.
For anyone who loves fairy tale retellings – this is an absolute must read, but also for anyone who loves Urban Fantasy, as it is just a fantastic story. One of the standout’s of the genre this year!
April 17, 2025
Eilah is an assassin, and the best assassin around. She works for Hera, the Mother of Assassins. She finished one job, only to be given more immediately as she is on her way back. Raiden has been searching for a lost princess for 17 years and his only lead is the woman who was traveling with an assassin who tried to kill him. When Raiden manages to catch up to Eilah, he somehow manages to not only stay alive but to become her traveling companion as well. Will Raiden finally get the answers he is looking for about the lost princess?
Eilah is a cold, emotionless assassin. Her mother has trained her to be the best assassin in the organization. She does what is necessary, never questioning, until Raiden. For some reason, she has left him alive every time they meet (although she may have given him a scar or 2). She definitely has determination and is a strong, intelligent character. Raiden is stubborn in his own way, even when it's putting his life in danger. He is determined to find the princess after he feels he failed. He's definitely got more patience than I do! I like that this book is dual POV, so you really get to know the characters individually.
The world building is wonderful and you really get to "see" where they travel. From the desert to the forest to the water laden city of Frigarth you can just imagine being there. The banter is hilarious and the twist on Rapunzel is original. I wouldn't say it is obvious without knowing, but since you go in knowing it's like "Aha! Now I get it." The story moves along at a great pace and while you do figure out what happened, you have no idea how it will end up. This was a fun, easy read and I am enjoying this series!
Eilah is a cold, emotionless assassin. Her mother has trained her to be the best assassin in the organization. She does what is necessary, never questioning, until Raiden. For some reason, she has left him alive every time they meet (although she may have given him a scar or 2). She definitely has determination and is a strong, intelligent character. Raiden is stubborn in his own way, even when it's putting his life in danger. He is determined to find the princess after he feels he failed. He's definitely got more patience than I do! I like that this book is dual POV, so you really get to know the characters individually.
The world building is wonderful and you really get to "see" where they travel. From the desert to the forest to the water laden city of Frigarth you can just imagine being there. The banter is hilarious and the twist on Rapunzel is original. I wouldn't say it is obvious without knowing, but since you go in knowing it's like "Aha! Now I get it." The story moves along at a great pace and while you do figure out what happened, you have no idea how it will end up. This was a fun, easy read and I am enjoying this series!
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May 28, 2025Of Towers and Assassins is the second book in the Kingdom of the Fae series and can be read as a standalone. This is an enemies to lovers fae retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel. Eilah is an assassin who works for Hera, the mother of all assassins, but each kill is just a means to an end on her path to destroy the kingdom of Frigarth. Eilah is a strong main character and although
she’s an assassin, she has her own moral compass that guides her actions. She still has a heart but believes her actions are necessary to fulfill her destiny.
Raiden is a Frigarthian soldier on the hunt for the long lost princess, who was taken as a child. When Raiden saves Eilah’s life, they form an uneasy truce, but when he reveals a stunning secret, it turns Eilah’s world upside down and changes everything.
I love the banter and developing relationship between Eilah and Raiden. I feel like they complement each other so well with their different personalities. This is a captivating and emotional journey as Eilah and Raiden deal with the secrets and lies that revolve around Eilah. The author does a great job of painting a vivid picture of this wonderful world and the emotional roller coaster ride that the characters take to reach its satisfying and sweet ending.
4 1/2 stars
she’s an assassin, she has her own moral compass that guides her actions. She still has a heart but believes her actions are necessary to fulfill her destiny.
Raiden is a Frigarthian soldier on the hunt for the long lost princess, who was taken as a child. When Raiden saves Eilah’s life, they form an uneasy truce, but when he reveals a stunning secret, it turns Eilah’s world upside down and changes everything.
I love the banter and developing relationship between Eilah and Raiden. I feel like they complement each other so well with their different personalities. This is a captivating and emotional journey as Eilah and Raiden deal with the secrets and lies that revolve around Eilah. The author does a great job of painting a vivid picture of this wonderful world and the emotional roller coaster ride that the characters take to reach its satisfying and sweet ending.
4 1/2 stars
May 12, 2025
"I go where you go. Your battle is my battle."
This is a fast paced Rapunzel retelling and it’s excellent! I did not want to put it down. It’s easy to read and captivating, making me itch to pick it up again every chance I got.
The magic is creatively used, the nods to the original fairytale throughout this work are beautifully done with the twist of assassins!
It’s full of action, intrigue and slow burn, no spice romance. The word building builds on what has already been shown in Of Glass and Cinders, taking us to new parts in this world, opening it up to there reader and building on the tension between kingdoms.
Though it’s set in the same world as OGaC is not necessary to read it prior to OTaA.
The characters are loveable, with plenty of banter, vulnerability and snarky interplay. Both leads, Raiden and Eliah, are dealing with their own trauma and striving to heal while correcting old wrongs, perceived or otherwise.
A very enjoyable read, definitely worth adding to your TBR if you love magical retellings, assassins, banter and a fiesty leading lady.
This is a fast paced Rapunzel retelling and it’s excellent! I did not want to put it down. It’s easy to read and captivating, making me itch to pick it up again every chance I got.
The magic is creatively used, the nods to the original fairytale throughout this work are beautifully done with the twist of assassins!
It’s full of action, intrigue and slow burn, no spice romance. The word building builds on what has already been shown in Of Glass and Cinders, taking us to new parts in this world, opening it up to there reader and building on the tension between kingdoms.
Though it’s set in the same world as OGaC is not necessary to read it prior to OTaA.
The characters are loveable, with plenty of banter, vulnerability and snarky interplay. Both leads, Raiden and Eliah, are dealing with their own trauma and striving to heal while correcting old wrongs, perceived or otherwise.
A very enjoyable read, definitely worth adding to your TBR if you love magical retellings, assassins, banter and a fiesty leading lady.
April 9, 2025
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I love how the novel plunges us into its captivating world from the very first page! The way it intricately unveils the geography and political landscape is masterfully done, seamlessly blending with the unfolding story. Plus, the dual points of view give us an exhilarating glimpse into both characters' emotions, adding depth and richness to their journey. It takes me back to the thrill I felt reading Six of Crows in high school with the point of views—what an unforgettable experience!
Raiden is just the cutest in certain parts of the book! If you’re looking for something that combines fantasy and romance without the added spice, this is the perfect pick for you! It brought back that wonderful feeling I used to have when I was younger, and I enjoyed every moment of reading it. In some parts, I even teared up. I loved all the swooning between the two main characters. The ending was so sweet too.
I love how the novel plunges us into its captivating world from the very first page! The way it intricately unveils the geography and political landscape is masterfully done, seamlessly blending with the unfolding story. Plus, the dual points of view give us an exhilarating glimpse into both characters' emotions, adding depth and richness to their journey. It takes me back to the thrill I felt reading Six of Crows in high school with the point of views—what an unforgettable experience!
Raiden is just the cutest in certain parts of the book! If you’re looking for something that combines fantasy and romance without the added spice, this is the perfect pick for you! It brought back that wonderful feeling I used to have when I was younger, and I enjoyed every moment of reading it. In some parts, I even teared up. I loved all the swooning between the two main characters. The ending was so sweet too.
April 12, 2025
Thanks to, Tiani Davids for my ARC!! I'm honoured that you trusted me with your story.
"Of Towers and Assassins" is a beautifully reimagined take on Rapunzel that feels both fresh and familiar in all the best ways.
From the first pages, I found myself immersed in a richly layered world of assassins, soldiers, secrets, and political intrigue, the kind of story that invites deep focus and curiosity.
The connection between Eilah and Raiden unfolds with a satisfying pace, full of engaging banter and just the right amount of mystery to keep my interest piqued throughout.
Like all the best fairy tales, this one lingered with me long after I turned the final page. It's a non-spicy, action-filled adventure that offers emotional depth, engaging dynamics, and a world well worth getting lost in.
"Of Towers and Assassins" is a beautifully reimagined take on Rapunzel that feels both fresh and familiar in all the best ways.
From the first pages, I found myself immersed in a richly layered world of assassins, soldiers, secrets, and political intrigue, the kind of story that invites deep focus and curiosity.
The connection between Eilah and Raiden unfolds with a satisfying pace, full of engaging banter and just the right amount of mystery to keep my interest piqued throughout.
Like all the best fairy tales, this one lingered with me long after I turned the final page. It's a non-spicy, action-filled adventure that offers emotional depth, engaging dynamics, and a world well worth getting lost in.
April 13, 2025
Thank you Tiani for letting me be a part of your ARC team for Of Towers and Assassins. A unique take on Rapunzel with quick and concise world building, strong characters and a plot that starts from the very first page.
OTaA is a YA fantasy romance with fae, humans, strong magic, lost princesses, assassins, soldiers and so much more. The FMC is a very strong female lead that will not let anyone or anything get in the way of her job as an assassin. The MMC is a royal guard searching for the lost princess from 17 years ago.
There is banter, flirty death threats, secrets and schemes. This was a great story with a very sweet ending. Highly recommend!
OTaA is a YA fantasy romance with fae, humans, strong magic, lost princesses, assassins, soldiers and so much more. The FMC is a very strong female lead that will not let anyone or anything get in the way of her job as an assassin. The MMC is a royal guard searching for the lost princess from 17 years ago.
There is banter, flirty death threats, secrets and schemes. This was a great story with a very sweet ending. Highly recommend!
April 28, 2025
Eilah/Zara was definitely a complex character. Her job and childhood made her who she was—but she does grow on you in a way. I will say though, Raiden was too good for her. But they both love each other and will move on and face what comes together so.
I wonder which story is next though, as there are enough characters introduced to pick from. Let’s see!
I just wished we got to see more of Zara and her relationship with her parents and how she processes everything. I mean it’s a huge change. And perhaps we might!
I received an ARC and this is my review!
I wonder which story is next though, as there are enough characters introduced to pick from. Let’s see!
I just wished we got to see more of Zara and her relationship with her parents and how she processes everything. I mean it’s a huge change. And perhaps we might!
I received an ARC and this is my review!
April 12, 2025
To start off with, this cover is beautiful. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this early and I struggled to put it down. I enjoyed the banter between our two leads very much and enjoyed watching as their relationship grew. I love how Davids has taken a story we all know and love and breathed life into it. The world building is beautiful and I feel connected to the characters.
April 29, 2025
Magically Delicious!! Eliah is an assassin through and through, raised to be one by her mother, Hera, in the Tower of Assassins. She has rules like... no risks, always have an escape plan, and dont get cocky. Raiden is Fae, a fascinating fighter, warrior, and ambassador searching for the long-lost princess of Frigarth. She was last seen with an assassin & Raiden is determined to find her. Using dual POV, the author expertly entwines and elicits passion, fear, anger, and more. Eliah and Raiden travel through the desert, discovering amazing truths about themselves and their world! 5 stars!! * I received a free ARC review, and this is my honest opinion! I loved it!
April 28, 2025
Release day is here!
I am so beyond excited for OTaA to be in your hands. I am so much fun writing this retelling.
Kingdoms of the Fae is a series of interconnected standalones that can be read in any order.
I am so beyond excited for OTaA to be in your hands. I am so much fun writing this retelling.
Kingdoms of the Fae is a series of interconnected standalones that can be read in any order.
April 28, 2025
This book kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the characters and the choices they made. I would definitely read this book again as I had a hard time putting it down and kept wanting to read it.
April 28, 2025
I couldn’t put it down! I couldn’t sleep! I was so addicted ! If you want a book that takes over your life, this is it!
May 23, 2025
Entertaining. A bit dark at parts (FMC is an assassin) but doesn’t go into much detail.
April 23, 2025
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your ARC.
From the first page I was transported to a world of secrets, emotionally charged and action packed.
Eilah is strong and intelligent yet cold and emotionless all at the same time. Raiden is both ambitious and stubborn.
The world building is top notch and this take on Rapunzel is so unique.
From the first page I was transported to a world of secrets, emotionally charged and action packed.
Eilah is strong and intelligent yet cold and emotionless all at the same time. Raiden is both ambitious and stubborn.
The world building is top notch and this take on Rapunzel is so unique.
July 17, 2025
You have NO idea how GOOD this book is!!! This book captivated me, this book enthralled me, this book set me abuzz, this book was IMPOSSIBLE to put down, this book was utterly, completely, magnificent! I've been a huge fan of this author's since I read her debut series a few years ago but hells bells and cocker shells was this one OUTSTANDING! This is a standalone but there were characters I'd "met" in the previous books, Of Cinders and Glass, who I desperately, HONESTLY, wanted to know more about, and Tiani delivered. OMG did she deliver!!! These words were my exact words to Tiani when I came to the end..."NOOOOO! I didn't want it to end!!!!! 😭 What a gorgeous gorgeous emotional read! I absolutely adore this story!" So all that's left is for you to download this book, PRONTO!
I loved Eilah from the start, even though she's an assassin, she's never callous. I loved that even though Zara was a hardened assassin, she still knew right from wrong, she still felt remorse and the fact that she wanted to save, and did, at least 2 of her sisters, gorgeous! I also loved the banter between Raiden and Eilah, ok, I guess I loved it all....She's so multi dimensional, so full of spunk and a zest that's infectious, yet at the same time, she's methodical, initiative and generally a caring person, when she's not killing people that is. That's what I adore about her, she can appear callous and unfeeling but shoot does she have mega emotions! As an assassin for Mother, she's supposed to carry out all and any of Mother's demands on her. Mother who's ruthless, Mother who's a manipulator, Mother who's a liar, Mother who has many secrets and Eilah is at the heart of those. And then she encounters Raiden again, under different circumstances... oh gosh was that awesome! Their entire interactions were awesome! And their banter, oh lordie was it ultra cool! Eilah's "rules" are almost a fetish, she sets them out for herself and she references them constantly. I kept hearing "rule no 1, rule no 5... in my head 🤣
Raiden is such a great strong character, he balances the tough with the caring, I love him! The guilt this poor man carries, my word, it's like carrying a pit of snakes in his stomach where they writh continuously, churning up the bile, not giving him a moments peace. And now, he's decided he HAS to continue on his search to find the lost princess, he HAS to dispell this burning acid and he HAS to help his friends, the king and queen. I adore at how much HE adores the king and queen, I ADORE his caring, his manner, oh heck, I ADORE everything about him! But boy is he in for a shock! WHAT and WHO he discovers, well.... it's not as he anticipated, it's not the outcome he expected. When he pieces it together, my heart did a leap of joy, which was quickly squashed because, well, because that's not what Eliah thinks or will even contend to think. And then things get VERY convoluted, VERY tense and VERY unpredictable! The why, the how, hells bells, my jaw scraped the floor!
Oh golly do I love this book! Oh... I've said that...but shoot, you'll get me when you read it! Tiani compels me, contorts my brain, MAKES me love these characters more than I thought possible. Yes.. I think she's infused a magical elixer in her prose....It's the fullness of the storytelling that's so riveting. The action was superb, very realistic and I love that the MC's get as much as they give. Everything playing our in Zara's mind, every action she took, every word she said, just brought her closer and closer to my heart. Oh lordie, Tiani bring it all to the fore so vividly! The characters are all portrayed exemplary, full, rounded, faliable . The pacing is spot on, the world she crafted graphic and arresting, the horror palpable, the guilt gut wrenching....Tiani really created something very special with the characters, drawing EVERYTHING out of them to perfection! I felt every cut, every trauma, every hurt as though it was on my person. Tiani's beautiful world building has me right in the centre of the story, in the centre of the action, which BTW, was soooooo believable, so cool and very vibrant.
I could feel the affected personas , I could hear their inner struggles, I could sense their every thought and deed, and a touch of love brewing throughout was a touch of reality. This book isn't a swoon read, even though there were swoon worthy moments, it's so much more, it's an internal battle the characters are facing, and a healthy dose of the external ones too, which gives the action oomph, pazzas and realism. This is a wonderful read, with a unique take of self realisation and self awareness, with remorse, guilt and revelations. Just beautiful! May I say it one more time? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! And what an incredible ending! So excuse me while I go clutch this book to my chest and sigh and sigh and sigh...
I loved Eilah from the start, even though she's an assassin, she's never callous. I loved that even though Zara was a hardened assassin, she still knew right from wrong, she still felt remorse and the fact that she wanted to save, and did, at least 2 of her sisters, gorgeous! I also loved the banter between Raiden and Eilah, ok, I guess I loved it all....She's so multi dimensional, so full of spunk and a zest that's infectious, yet at the same time, she's methodical, initiative and generally a caring person, when she's not killing people that is. That's what I adore about her, she can appear callous and unfeeling but shoot does she have mega emotions! As an assassin for Mother, she's supposed to carry out all and any of Mother's demands on her. Mother who's ruthless, Mother who's a manipulator, Mother who's a liar, Mother who has many secrets and Eilah is at the heart of those. And then she encounters Raiden again, under different circumstances... oh gosh was that awesome! Their entire interactions were awesome! And their banter, oh lordie was it ultra cool! Eilah's "rules" are almost a fetish, she sets them out for herself and she references them constantly. I kept hearing "rule no 1, rule no 5... in my head 🤣
Raiden is such a great strong character, he balances the tough with the caring, I love him! The guilt this poor man carries, my word, it's like carrying a pit of snakes in his stomach where they writh continuously, churning up the bile, not giving him a moments peace. And now, he's decided he HAS to continue on his search to find the lost princess, he HAS to dispell this burning acid and he HAS to help his friends, the king and queen. I adore at how much HE adores the king and queen, I ADORE his caring, his manner, oh heck, I ADORE everything about him! But boy is he in for a shock! WHAT and WHO he discovers, well.... it's not as he anticipated, it's not the outcome he expected. When he pieces it together, my heart did a leap of joy, which was quickly squashed because, well, because that's not what Eliah thinks or will even contend to think. And then things get VERY convoluted, VERY tense and VERY unpredictable! The why, the how, hells bells, my jaw scraped the floor!
Oh golly do I love this book! Oh... I've said that...but shoot, you'll get me when you read it! Tiani compels me, contorts my brain, MAKES me love these characters more than I thought possible. Yes.. I think she's infused a magical elixer in her prose....It's the fullness of the storytelling that's so riveting. The action was superb, very realistic and I love that the MC's get as much as they give. Everything playing our in Zara's mind, every action she took, every word she said, just brought her closer and closer to my heart. Oh lordie, Tiani bring it all to the fore so vividly! The characters are all portrayed exemplary, full, rounded, faliable . The pacing is spot on, the world she crafted graphic and arresting, the horror palpable, the guilt gut wrenching....Tiani really created something very special with the characters, drawing EVERYTHING out of them to perfection! I felt every cut, every trauma, every hurt as though it was on my person. Tiani's beautiful world building has me right in the centre of the story, in the centre of the action, which BTW, was soooooo believable, so cool and very vibrant.
I could feel the affected personas , I could hear their inner struggles, I could sense their every thought and deed, and a touch of love brewing throughout was a touch of reality. This book isn't a swoon read, even though there were swoon worthy moments, it's so much more, it's an internal battle the characters are facing, and a healthy dose of the external ones too, which gives the action oomph, pazzas and realism. This is a wonderful read, with a unique take of self realisation and self awareness, with remorse, guilt and revelations. Just beautiful! May I say it one more time? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! And what an incredible ending! So excuse me while I go clutch this book to my chest and sigh and sigh and sigh...
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