Burn the Kingdom Down

by Addie Thorley

An action-packed enemies-to-lovers romantasy filled with a romance that will leave you breathless, betrayals that will rip your heart out, and a princess who will stop at nothing for revenge.

One year ago, Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland in a wedding dress of chains—sent away to the enemy nation of Vanzador as a captive bride.

Now, Rowenna is dead. Brought home in a coffin after an alleged fall from a cliff.

Second-born princess, Indira, knows her sister's death was no accident. Desperate for truth and vengeance, Indira agrees to wed the prince so she can infiltrate Vanzador, find Rowenna's murderer, and burn their kingdom to the ground.

Indira's plan is simple, she will make nice until she can find out how to avenge her sister and free her country from the rival nation's stranglehold. But when Indira arrives, nothing is as terrible as Rowenna described. As Indira grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, and uncovers more about Vanzador, the source of its powers, and what happened during Rowenna's final days, she's no longer sure what—and who—to believe. Because everyone, even her sister, has secrets. Deadly ones.




"Sharp as a dagger and just as deadly, Indira's daring quest for revenge and her romance forged in fury will keep you guessing and gasping until the breathless end." –Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Mystery, Fantasy Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

About the author

Addie Thorley spent her childhood playing soccer, riding horses, and scribbling stories. After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in journalism, she decided “hard news” didn’t contain enough magic and kissing, so she flung herself into the land of fiction and never looked back.

She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and wolf dog, and when she’s not writing she can be found gallivanting in the woods or galloping around the barn where she works as a horse trainer and exercise rider.
AN AFFAIR OF POISONS is her debut novel.

You can find her online at www.addiethorley.com or on Twitter @addiethorley.

Reviews

[Gali · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Burn the Kingdom Down” by Addie Thorley is a gripping enemies-to-lovers YA romantasy filled with political intrigue, mystery, and secrets - one I devoured in a couple of sittings. The writing pulls you straight into the story, with engaging characters and satisfying plot twists. This is very much an action-driven book, with the romance slowly building and woven into the plot.

The book follows second-born Princess Indira of Tashir, a nation of planters. She is a master gardener with the rare ability to grow bagrava, a highly sought-after plant coveted by their enemies for its power to improve farming conditions and induce euphoria, among other things.

Vanzador, a rival nation, promises protection in exchange for a bagrava tithe. The Vanzadorian king has the power to literally move the earth itself - but the price is high, as we discover later on. Over the years, their demands increase, placing a chokehold on the already struggling Tashiri. Crown Princess Rowenna Harrack is taken as a captive bride to marry Prince Alaric, an additional incentive to ensure Tashir’s obedience.

A year later, Rowenna returns home in a casket, and Vanzador’s king, Soren, demands her sister Indira as a replacement. Indira agrees to the marriage so she can uncover what happened to her sister, avenge her death, and burn their kingdom down. Yet when she arrives in Vanzador, things are nothing like the stories Rowenna described in her letters, and Indira finds herself torn between her old home and the new life she is expected to lead.

Thus begins an exciting adventure chock-full of magic, political and sexual tension, slow-burn romance, love, and twists. With themes of grief, manipulation, sisterhood, friendship, betrayal, trust, revenge, and moral conflict, the author weaves a story I truly enjoyed. I especially liked the message of hope - that just as plants can be propagated and replanted, there is always a chance to start over and try again. The author also explores how far we are willing to go for our loved ones, and the difficulty of letting go.

I loved the emotional dynamics between the characters, especially the bonding and emotional connection between the sisters, as well as the vivid world-building, the plant-based magic, the memory tithing, and the prose. Indira isn’t perfect: she’s fearful for her safety yet impulsive, strong yet riddled with self-doubt, capable in some ways and weak in others - and that’s what makes her human.

Indira's inner monologues with her deceased sister beautifully reveal her doubts and emotional growth, and I was glad to see her find her voice. I enjoyed Indira’s growth and the gradual build-up of her relationships, especially with the prince. Alaric is complex as well, full of past trauma and demons of his own, and I loved watching him slowly open up.

The last third dragged a bit and could have been tightened. An epilogue wouldn’t have gone amiss either, so I’m deducting a star. Still, this is a well-plotted, well-written, and fast-paced novel that stands well on its own. I loved this book - just in case that wasn’t clear - and highly recommend it to fans of slow-burn romantasy with political and sexual tension, true enemies-to-lovers dynamics, clean romance, and lifelike characters in a setting that leaps off the page.

* Triggers: attempted sexual assault, forced marriage, death.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romantasy and a murder mystery all wrapped up in one. Indira is positive her sister, who was forced into a political marriage just a year prior just to return in a coffin, was murdered. The best way to prove it and find the murderer? Marry her sister's widower and return to his kingdom with him to solve the crime (which they say never happened). Not really the way I would go about it, but it's fiction.

I loved this book so much and would read any sequels put out by the author. Really hope there are more. It isn't necessarily set up for one, but at the same time, I am sure the author could manage. Even if it's same world, different people. Not like every single problem the kingdom had magically disappeared overnight. That would be nice. If the only solution was electing people in love, and that healed all the problems in the world.
Hmmm. Although, maybe. What are the chances most of the politicians we have in office are actually in love with their spouses?

Anyway . . .

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really do love fantasy, but romantasy feels like an entirely different breed. Some work for me and other's don't. This one unfortunately fell into the 'don't' category. Meh would be the way to sum up my feelings. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't something I was invested in. I think the mystery aspect was what kept me intrigued and reading. My biggest issue was our FMC, Indira. Romantasy often relies on the same annoying formula and somehow Indira was both weak and pathetic and strong and badass. Not even the fun kind, just annoying. I couldn't care enough from the start to feel like her anger was earned and it came across as bratty more than anything else. She felt one dimensional but it wasn't just her, it was like that for every character.

I will give credit that the mystery and the worldbuilding was well done with great writing. I just couldn't find myself engaged with the story or the romance.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and netgalley for the arc.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this is one of those books that will have you staring at the wall when you finish! So unbelievably good! If you're a fan of Hurricane Wars or Bridge kingdom you absolutely have to add this to your tbr.
It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers with a murder mystery and some twists that turn as sharp as blade! Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this arc!

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one, the premise is exactly my kind of romantasy: a political marriage to an enemy prince, a heroine seeking answers about her sister’s death, and a court full of secrets. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully live up to how strong the setup was.

The book leans much more into internal conflict and palace conversations than plot progression. For long stretches, it feels like Indira is circling the same suspicions without uncovering much new information, which made the middle drag. The mystery itself is interesting, but the reveals come late and then resolve very quickly, so the pacing ends up feeling uneven and slow for most of the book and rushed at the end.

Indira as a main character was a mixed experience for me. Her grief and anger are understandable, but her decision-making often felt repetitive and occasionally frustrating because she jumps to conclusions and rarely learns from earlier mistakes. Instead of character growth, it sometimes felt like she was reacting rather than developing.

The romance is definitely slow burn, but almost too slow. There’s tension, but not a lot of emotional depth to balance the mistrust, so I never fully bought into the relationship by the time the story wanted me to. I also wished the worldbuilding and magic were explored more the ideas are there, they just stay pretty surface-level.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book, it has a solid concept and some strong moments of political intrigue, but it didn’t quite deliver on the emotional payoff or momentum I was hoping for. I also had an inkling of what the ending of this story would bring. I just didn't trust some of what we were being told/shown throughout the story. I’d still recommend it to readers who prefer character-focused court drama over action-heavy fantasy, but it didn’t end up being a standout for me.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this one early!

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:

I got the ARC for this! So excited to check it out soon, the description is honestly what convinced me 👀🌸

[Claire Statler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to get to read this before it was released. this was genuinely a really great slow burn enimies to lovers as promised. none of the romance was cringe or spicy, it was completely clean YA also as promised. and it had those good plot twists that were foreshadowed since the beginning but subtly enough that you still never saw it coming.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★

"Perhaps the afterlife has always been the only place a Tashiri girl and Vanzadorian boy can be together."

~4.75 stars ✨

One year ago, Indira's sister was sent to the enemy kingdom as a captive bride... and Indira would burn the world to bring her back.

This book. THIS. BOOK. I can’t stop thinking about it.
It’s not about politics or war, it’s about people, choices, grief, and love that feels almost impossible. Every character felt so painfully real. No flat villains, no perfect heroes; just broken souls trying to do what they think is right.

Indira was everything I could ever want in an FMC: strong, loyal, fierce, and heartbreakingly human. And Alaric… let’s just say I’m still recovering.

The plot twists. WHERE. DO. I. EVEN. BEGIN. Just when I thought I had the whole plot figured out, NOPE, the story flipped on its head, and I was left gasping all over again.

The writing was beautiful, in a sense kinda poetic, but it felt...natural (if you get what I mean). The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is... BECAUSE I WANTED AN EPILOGUEEE
I NEED just one more glimpse of them.

Thank you to Netgalley team and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memories are tricky things but when it’s something, or someone, special it can make all the difference.

Watching her older sister be married off to a rival kingdom is the worst day in Indira’s life, that is until she returns in a box and she is forced to take her place as wife to a rival Prince and secure the treaty to save her people. Using the opportunity to solve her sister’s murder she stumbles into something far bigger than she could have ever imagined and with limited allies she has to trust her greatest enemy and save them all.

This one is a bit of a mixed bag.

On one hand the murder mystery aspect is done well there’s a lot of behind the scenes scheming to right a wrong and as a sister myself I know I would move mountains, no pun intended, to find out who killed my sister especially when I could be married to her killer. That being said some of this journey gets muddled by the other more political aspects and while they do converge at the climax I felt underwhelmed with the latter. I wish we got more hints behind the ultimate reveal because though I think it works I wish we had tiny bits of foreshadowing so there was this delicious payoff to a rather unreliable narrator when it came to her love for her sister.

I’m not quite sure I grasp the conflict between both kingdoms and while you can kind of get it on the page the actual cruelty shifts from her homeland to that of her new husband. We see that she and her people are forced to provide and when they fail they suffer from the threat of a rival clan but they never materialize and by books end so much is wrapped in a bow we never really get to the root of the issue or why any of it really mattered.

The characters were fine and the romance okay it’s a shame because their bark is far worse than their bite and I wanted to see more there. Alaric is understandably cold but that bravado is lost often and Indira is growing into her strength but then forgets sometimes quiet and allowing yourself to listen is a better approach. It almost feels like a lot was leading to the showdown and we got lost just trying to get there but hopefully that’s just me.

With such a powerful opening this isn’t a bad read but ironically one I fear will be forgettable.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't many romantasy books with a murder solving aspect out there, so this was a unique novel in the sea of romantasy so I can definitely recommend it for that alone but there was so much more to this story:

-Making your own convictions and stepping out of the shadow of other's choices (Indira's character growth was so thoughtfully and well done)

-The process of grief was written with such care and truly showed how some of the best pieces of you can leave when you lose someone. The author did such a great job tying the characters together through their shared grief.

"Two broken people finding wholeness in the pieces of the other. Coming together to form an image like stained glass-far more beautiful pieced back together than if the glass had remained a solid pane."

-The slow burn of the romance between Indira and Alaric was written well and the banter was there.
Alric: "Because you're infuriating. I'm far more tempted to shove you off a cliff than I ever was your sister."
Indira: "How romantic, I coo. Just what I hoped my husband would whisper on our wedding night."

I just wish that they had more teasing interactions throughout the story that could have added to the tension between them. I really enjoyed them as a couple, so I really wanted more.

The reason why I didn't give this book five stars was because I wish there was more info given to the politics, the magic and growing system could have really been expanded on. I think the book could have really benefited to an epilogue because it felt like it just cut off about the futures of their kingdoms which was a little disappointing.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the request of the publisher, this review will go public on March 22, 2026.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing an ARC to my employer for us to read.

The book captivated me from the first chapter. Indira's stubbornness was was both endlessly frustrating and endlessly endearing: her determination to figure out what happened to her sister and not knowing who to trust kept me on her side and cheering her on even as I begged her to have faith in others.

The book is full of twists, betrayals. and most importantly: love. Love for your family, your kingdom and the people you are beholden to, and love for yourself. The world is rich and the magic system interesting. It left me wanting more stories in this setting.

My only true critique is I would have liked more breathing room at the end of the story after the climax before the book ended. A little more time with Indira and Alaric before the story ended world have been my personal preference.

That being said, I very much enjoyed this story and the relationships within it. I devoured the story in two days, and was left with a book hangover when it was finished.

[summer]

DNF @ 61%

A standalone mystery-centered slow burn romantasy sounds like it should be everything; however, I'm sorry but I can't do it. Knowing I still have almost 200 pages left is very unmotivating. Generally, the book is just too long at around 450 pages. While I was super interested in the magic system, specifically the memory tithing, it just isn't enough for me to keep going (especially since I didn't get the vibe that it would be expanded upon much). I stopped caring too much about the main mystery, which is not great when it's the main plot. I also didn't care for the romance, which is not great because it's a romantasy. I didn't care for the main character because she was annoying and spoke to her dead sister like she was there (in front of other people too, cringe), which is not great because we're stuck in her head. Finally, I didn't really care about any of the other characters as none of them were original nor were they interesting enough to make up for it.

If the concept sounds interesting to you, definitely still check it out. Sad to say it wasn't enough for me.

Thank you to Source Books Fire and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley

FYI: After writing this review, I learned that the intended reading age is 14–18. I’m well outside that range, so I may have been harder on it than a younger reader would be. That said, the reading age wasn’t mentioned on NetGalley.

Burn the Kingdom Down is a romantasy built on a compelling premise: a princess marries into an enemy kingdom to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and exact revenge. The opening line is an excellent hook, and I was immediately pulled in by the mystery of Rowenna’s death.

The strongest part of this novel lies in its opening act. The “captive bride” concept, a sister returned home in a coffin, and a second-born princess stepping into her place is instantly engaging. The central question—What really happened to Rowenna?—kept me turning pages. However, the groundwork is laid so heavily that the later twist surrounding her fate didn’t feel shocking. I was suspicious long before the reveal.

One of my biggest issues is how Rowenna’s presence manifests. Indira talks to her OUT LOUD, hears responses, and interacts with her in ways that felt deeply unsettling. The writing straddles an unclear line between trauma and something supernatural, and that ambiguity never pays off. Instead of haunting, it often felt distracting and unintentionally ridiculous. This was also when it became clear this is very much a YA novel.

Indira reads as a typical YA protagonist: impulsive, emotionally reactive, and frustratingly blind when it comes to her sister. Alaric, too, sometimes feels far younger than his position suggests.

The magic system—memories as a source of power—is one of the more interesting elements. The idea of memories being siphoned to sustain the king is thematically rich. But King Soren’s abrupt, anticlimactic death undermines his earlier build-up, and the tonal whiplash that follows (with Alaric speaking about him almost reverently) feels emotionally inconsistent.

The prose is serviceable but uneven. Odd phrases like “glittering shadow” or “deep skin” pulled me out of the story, and physical descriptions of the main characters feel underdeveloped.

The romance was my biggest disappointment. Marketed as enemies-to-lovers, it moves at breakneck speed. One moment Indira believes Alaric murdered her sister; the next they’re kissing over shared sibling grief. The emotional leap feels unearned. The early groundwork for tension and mistrust is there—Alaric’s volatile moods and cryptic hints initially kept me invested—but the story rushes into intimacy before earning it. Once established, the romance loses both its tension and narrative purpose, and it actively undercuts the central mystery.

Indira’s betrayal, however, is a standout moment. I genuinely applaud the choice to have her stab Alaric in the back. His attempt to help her escape as he’s dying adds real emotional weight. I also appreciated the contrast between sibling loyalties—Besnik’s sacrifice versus Rowenna’s willingness to sacrifice her sister for power. That parallel was effective.

Rowenna as the true antagonist was predictable, but my issue is how poorly her villainy is handled. The book leans heavily on sibling love and loyalty, so making Rowenna the ultimate fanatic undermines that emotional framework. Her desire to burn the kingdom down (it annoys me that the title is about her character more than the main character…) stems from oppression that is at least partially real—but once King Soren is dead, she refuses to reassess. She’s willing to murder her own sister, and the story never meaningfully justifies that leap.

The confrontation between the sisters encapsulates this. Even after Rowenna tries to kill her, Indira SAVES HER LIFE and insists she would have done the same. Rowenna immediately proves her wrong—and tries to kill her again. At that point, Rowenna stops feeling complex and starts feeling absurd. What could have been a devastating exploration of sisterhood instead becomes frustrating.

The final act feels crowded and underdeveloped. The Marauders, the memory epidemic, and several political threads needed more space. The magic system also feels underexplained—particularly why Indira can access magic through song while Alaric cannot.

That said, the ending makes a strong choice: Alaric sacrifices his memories to save Indira—and doesn’t get them back. The consequences stick, and I appreciated that. Rather than needing an epilogue, the story needed more room leading up to the conclusion.

Ultimately, Burn the Kingdom Down starts strong, falters in the middle, and finishes on a somewhat solid note. The premise is compelling, the magic system has interesting ideas, and the ending carries real stakes. But rushed romance, uneven pacing, tonal confusion, and frustrating character choices hold it back from its full potential.

If you enjoy YA romantasy with high stakes, betrayal, and morally messy choices, this may still work for you—just be prepared for a story that promises complexity but doesn’t always deliver.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Burn the Kingdom Down” by Addie Thorley is a gripping YA romantasy that combines political intrigue, plant-based magic, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance into an action-driven story packed with secrets and moral conflict. Thorley delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged story that pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go until the final page.

The story follows Indira, the second-born princess of Tashir, a struggling nation whose survival depends on a rare and powerful plant called bagrava. As a master gardener with the unique ability to grow it, Indira holds more power than she realizes; this power is coveted by the neighboring kingdom of Vanzador. After her sister Rowenna is sent to Vanzador as a captive bride and later returned home in a casket, Indira agrees to take her place. Her goal is clear: uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and destroy the kingdom responsible. But once inside Vanzador’s icy, imposing court, Indira discovers that the truth is far more complicated than the stories she’s been told.

Thorley shines in her worldbuilding and magic system. The nature-based magic, which is centered on growth, cultivation, and memory tithes, feels fresh and symbolic, reinforcing the story’s themes of grief, renewal, and sacrifice. Vanzador’s earth-shaping magic contrasts beautifully with Indira’s plant-based power, and the wintry castle setting adds to the atmosphere of tension and unease. Political maneuvering, betrayals, and layered secrets keep the plot moving at a brisk pace, with several twists that land hard and raise the stakes dramatically.

At the heart of the story is Indira herself; she is a character who is flawed yet is undeniably human. She is impulsive, stubborn, fearful, and determined, often oscillating between vulnerability and strength. This complexity makes her growth compelling, especially as she steps out of her sister’s shadow and begins forming her own convictions. Her inner conversations with her deceased sister are particularly poignant, offering a raw and thoughtful portrayal of grief. However, some of her reactions felt a bit repetitive and frustrating. Still, her emotional journey feels intentional, shaped by loss and manipulation rather than effortless heroism.

The romance between Indira and Prince Alaric is a classic slow burn done with restraint. Their dynamic is full of sharp banter, mistrust, and simmering tension, evolving naturally as secrets unravel. Alaric’s morally grey complexity and buried trauma make him a compelling counterpart to Indira, and their relationship reflects the book’s central idea: that broken people can find wholeness together.

While I enjoyed the pacing during the first half, the final stretch was a bit more difficult to enjoy. The last third can feel slightly drawn out while the ending itself feels abrupt. I wanted more breathing room after the emotional and political fallout in order to provide a chance to fully absorb the consequences for both the characters and their kingdoms. A deeper exploration of the politics and magic systems also could have elevated the story further.

Still, “Burn the Kingdom Down” remains an addictive, twist-filled romantasy with heart. It explores grief, loyalty, revenge, and the cost of inherited power, while offering a hopeful message about renewal; that, like plants, people can be replanted and begin again. The journey this book provides is immersive, intense, and well worth taking, especially for fans of slow-burn fantasy with sharp edges and a hopeful core.

[Alli · Rating 2 out of 5]

She will make them remember. She will make them answer.

Rating: 2.5 ★

Synopsis:
Indira, second princess of Tashir, has always been softer than her older sister, Rowenna. Rowenna was the crown princess destined to rule; The clever, defiant girl who wore chains on her wedding day and promised she would find a way to save their kingdom from the iron grip of their enemy, Vanzador. Wedded to their Crown Prince Alaric, Rowenna swore to her sister that the mountains would never crush a girl made of steel and she will find her way home.

But she was not made of steel.
And when she came home, it was in a coffin.

A tragic fall they said, an accidental slip at the edge of a cliff. The lie smelled as potent as the bagrava fruit on fire, and in that moment she made her choice. She will wear her sister's crown, her sister's fury, and set fire to the kingdom that dared to bury her.

My review:
Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book! The blurb really pulled me in, I love a revenge plot DOWN, and the mystery aspect of it all adds another layer to the story. There are things I did really appreciate with this book and some things that in my opinion took me out of the story.

The mystery was the strongest part of the story! The contradictions between Rowenna’s letters and Indira’s experience in Vanzador kept me guessing and invested in uncovering the truth. I also appreciated Indira’s growth as she stepped out of her sister's shadow and learned to rely on her own strengths. A girl who was always seen as the extra, by her parents, her people, and her sister finally realizing she can outgrow their expectations and live for herself, and that there's not one path to reach the same goal. Watching her open herself up to friendship and connection instead of carrying everything alone was genuinely sweet.

That said, the romance didn't quite work for me. While I enjoyed some of the dialogue between Indira and Alaric, their relationship felt more like a solid friendship than a romantic one, and the emotional pull wasn't as compelling as I'd hoped. I really liked the parallels between their relationships with their siblings. The contrast of Besnik willing to sacrifice himself for his brother set against Rowenna willing to sacrifice her sister for power was a great touch in the dichotomy of both relationships. I also loved Rowenna's reveal, and the gradual realization of how twisted her path became. Her approach focused more becoming the new oppressors instead of dismantling the power imbalance or seeking a lasting peace and solution.

The pacing also faltered toward the end, with so many plot points happening back to back, it felt really crowded and yet underdeveloped at the same time. I would have liked more depth in the world building, particularly regarding the larger external threat of the Marauders. For them to pose such a big threat to both kingdoms but never understanding their motives felt lacking to me. I would have liked to know more about the start of the epidemic, what happened with Delphine and her sister, the Tashir kingdom aftermath amongst others, as it felt like the story left more to the imagination!

It might be the book is geared towards a younger audience than my taste, but I can see the intent behind the story and appreciate the author exploring romantasy and mystery together. It wasn't a bad read by any means and I still liked it enough to complete the book!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this book. I liked the title and cover, and the description was interesting, so I went for it. I was happily surprised by it. The story started out a little slow but not in a bad way. It built at a good pace, setting up the character and the initial conflict and world building. I love the magic system in this book with Indira, the first-person narrator, being a master gardener, who by singing to Earth Mother, can make plants grow, especially bagrava, a plant that Earth Mother blessed her people with to put back into the soil and help other crops. I love that idea. Tashir's rival is Vanzador, a neighboring kingdom whose king has agreed to a "treaty" with Tashir wherein they give him a tribute of bagrava, and he uses his power to move the earth to create a mountain wall around Tashir, protecting it from Marauders. But Soren gets greedy and also demands the king of Tashir's daughter in marriage for his son, Alaric. Things get really interesting once Rowenna is returned to Tashir, dead. Now, Indira is the one who has to marry Alaric. She only agrees to do so in order to do what the title says.
I love this whole concept, and it's really good reading. The story is engaging and interesting, and I kept having theories about what really happened to Rowenna and what was going on in Vanzador with their power and the bagrava. There were things I didn't see coming, some I guessed at but didn't think would happen, and others that were more obvious, but all of it was fun to navigate and came together so well in the end. The ending is corny, but it's also what I wanted by the end of it, so I enjoyed it.
The two things that really stood out to me: one, I love that this is more a story about sisters than it is a romance; Indira is heartbroken at the loss of her sister, and she will do almost anything to avenge her; their relationship as it grows from Indira's memories and what she learns from the Vanzadorians and "Rowenna's" voice she hears in her mind is so fascinating and layered; two: the romance stuff is a bit annoying, as it always is for me in YA books--every little touch, oh goodness, I can't take the body humming and the butterflies. But otherwise, the writing is strong, and the story is suspenseful, especially at the ending, and I love the world and how it all works. I enjoyed the characters and the salons and the sub-conflicts. I really wish this had been a trilogy. I would have loved taking my time over three books of this and getting to know the characters better. I wonder if Thorley will write more books in this world.
I strongly recommend this book to romantasy lovers, to YA lovers, and to people who like a good, suspenseful, quick read. I really enjoyed it and am glad I read it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-book.

[Ifra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire, and Addie Thorley for the ARC!

Wow — I am thoroughly impressed by this book. From the very beginning, this story had me in a chokehold, and I genuinely could not put it down 🤭 This was such a fun, fast-paced, and addictive fantasy read, and it’s officially put Addie Thorley on my radar as an author I absolutely need to read more from.

First of all — this book has the enemies to lovers trope done RIGHT. When I say slow burn, I mean sloww burn. The FMC and MMC start bantering from their very first meeting, and the tension never lets up. Their dynamic was sharp, entertaining, and full of tension, and I loved watching their relationship evolve throughout this chaotic, emotional, high-stakes journey.

The FMC was such a refreshing character to follow — determined, passionate, and deeply connected to the world around her. The MMC? Morally grey, powerful, and secretly soft-hearted in the most swoony way. Watching these two change, challenge each other, and slowly unravel their assumptions was one of my favourite parts of the book — though I do wish we had gotten even more on-page time with them together after the way the book ended.

Now let’s talk about the plot twists — because wow. They were insane. I genuinely only managed to predict one of them, and everything that unfolds toward the end had me shocked, invested, and emotionally spiralling all at once 😅 The way the tension escalates is incredibly well done, making the final stretch of the book impossible to put down.

The magic system was another thing that stood out in this story. It’s nature-based and unlike anything I’ve ever read before 🌿 The FMC’s ability to grow and cultivate something central to the plot was fascinating, and the MMC’s power to manipulate the earth was equally compelling. The castle, medieval setting, where much of the story takes place, was vividly described and easy to picture — atmospheric, dark, wintry, and perfectly suited to the story’s tone. Addie Thorley’s writing style made it all feel immersive and effortless!

My only reason for not giving this a full 5 stars is that, at times, the FMC’s constant theorizing and unwavering devotion to her sister’s path became a bit repetitive. And also… that ending?! I needed an epilogue. Or at least a little more page time with the main characters together 😭 (That one might just be a me thing, though.)

Overall, Burn the Kingdom Down is a fresh, exciting romantasy packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, morally grey characters, unique magic, high stakes, and jaw-dropping twists. If you love fantasy books that are fun, intense, and impossible to put down, this is absolutely a book you need on your radar 🫶

My final rating: 4.5 stars

[Jenna O'Malley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars! ✨

This story had a lot of promise, but I found the execution of the romantic relationship and animosity between rivaling nations a bit lacking. However, the author’s ideas and synopsis have a lot of promise, and I am looking forward to future releases!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Two nations. One dead princess. A grieving sister. In “Burn the Kingdom Down” we follow the perspective of our FMC Indira following the death of her sister Rowenna. Rowenna was used as a bargaining chip following an agreement to marry the prince of Vanzadoria for mountains of protection for their nation, Tashir. However, she is delivered back to her home kingdom - dead. Now, Indira must fill the shoes of her deceased sister all while solving her murder. The prince Alaric - cannot stand her. As Indira uncovers more about Vanzador she realizes nothing is as it seems - including her sister. Can she bring justice to her nation?

Oooof, okay. I was hooked at the beginning of this story. The plot held so much promise, and the bickering/tension of our main characters was too good. I fear we lost the plot in the middle. We follow Indira as she forms relationships with those who were close to her sister and are taken on this wild goose chase. We as the reader see almost little to no interactions between her and Alaric and are going back and forth on if her sister was a good person or not. While I understand the importance of “you were ignorant. Your sister was not a fair person. She was manipulative.” It feels a little wrong and gut wrenching knowing how her life came to an end. It almost felt like victim shaming? A dash here and there would not have been so bad, but the story focuses on this point through the majority of the book. It is extremely repetitive.

After all of this I feel like the romance had to be written back in (it is a romantasy after all) and their relationship took off out of nowhere. To be honest, their dialogue was off putting to say the least.

“He bites his lower lip, and I find myself staring, wondering how I failed to notice how full, soft, and utterly enticing his lips are.”

We also are given exciting remarks such as this

“Follow me, and see the moss for yourselves.”

“Who knew gardeners could be so wise? Guess you don’t have peas for brains after all.”

Towards the end of the book the relationship, and the mystery felt forced and exaggerated.

I have seen people devouring this book and loving it! I think romantasy is a touchy genre for me as I tend to lean more into political fantasy so keep that in mind 🙂

[Caitlyn Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year ago Indira’s sister is offered as a captive bride to the tyrannical monarch of the neighboring kingdom. But when she returns to them in a casket, Indira vows to bury their kingdom down with her.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice Level: 0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e arc of this book

This is an action packed YA enemies to lovers romantasy book filled with a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, a gripping romance, and shocking betrayals that will leave you heart broken centered around the second princess of an impoverished kingdom who will stop at nothing in pursuit of vengeance.

The Characters:
Indira is our female lead and I will be frank, it took me some time to warm up to her but as the story goes on I see why she felt a little unlikable in the beginning. She tried from the get go to be this fierce take no prisoners badass FMC but when we first meet her it’s glaringly obvious that’s not who she is. It takes her time to acknowledge and face her past and her trauma before she can fully blossom into the BAMF we all know she could be.
Alaric, our moody MMC with a secret heart of gold. I was glad to see a male lead who isn’t the stereotypical shadow daddy with a tragic backstory. Don get me wrong, his back story is TRAGIC but he has a conviction to him that has been lacking in other stories in the genre.
The minor characters: they all stand out in their own unique way, and while some are of course more important to the story than others they all serve a purpose in the narrative apart from being “main characters best friend”.

The plot
Okay, the story seems like it starts super fast but then it slows down IMMENSELY within the first few chapters. It felt a little teasing in the moment, like you ramped us up ready to go from the jump just to say “but first a relaxing stroll through the park. By no means though was this bad, and it’s incredibly representative of Indira who serves as the narrator. In the throes of grief and wanting revenge of COURSE you’re going to be rip roaring daring to go but when you actually get to the point where you can do something, you have no idea where to start; you need to take a breath, ascertain your surroundings, and come up with a plan THEN things can really start.

My ONE gripe was the ending - first, there’s no epilogue and as a (presumed) standalone, I felt we could use a little more closure than ending the book where it did. We get our HEA (because duh it’s romance) but it felt a little lacking. Not bad by any means - it was great but it could have been AMAZING with just a few more pages.

[Néea Stern · Rating 3 out of 5]

“My sister wore chains on her wedding day” is a killer opening line and it immediately sold me on the promise of a dark, gothic romantasy full of political tension and dangerous magic

For a while, the book delivers on that intrigue, especially through its bold premise, vivid setting and a lead character driven by grief, loyalty and a fierce sense of justic

Indira is a compelling protagonist. As the second-born daughter and “spare” heir, she’s expected to be quiet and compliant, yet she’s defined instead by her stubborn resolve and moral clarity

When her sister Rowena is murdered and Indira is sent to take her place as the enemy prince’s bride, she commits fully to uncovering the truth - even when it means navigating a foreign court, a rigid hierarchy and a magic system that directly opposes her own plant-based powers

One of the strongest elements of the story is its conspiracy-driven mystery
The contrast between Indira’s agricultural, earth-centered kingdom and the cold, mountainous world of Vanzadoria adds real weight to the political and cultural conflict and I loved watching her piece together the clues her sister left behind.
The competing forms of magic were especially intriguing and gave the story a fresh edge

That said, the execution didn’t always match the strength of the concept. The pacing often felt rushed and nonlinear, with several twists arriving too quickly in the final stretch.
Some revelations felt repetitive rather than impactful and a few emotional threads, particularly around Rowena’s legacy, were leaned on so heavily that they began to lose their nuance.

The romance, while clearly central to the genre, felt underdeveloped to me. Indira and Alaric’s connection seemed to escalate more because the story needed it to than because their relationship had been given enough space to grow naturally.
At times this pulled focus away from the stronger political and mystery elements that initially hooked me

Still, Burn the Kingdom Down remains an engaging, thoughtfully imagined fantasy with a strong lead, an atmospheric setting and a refreshing take on destiny, power and grief. While the execution didn’t fully live up to the promise of its opening, I’m definitely curious to see what this author does next

[Abbi :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

What an excellent YA romantasy! I have other books by this author on my TBR that I am going to have to read sooner rather than later now.

Indira, second born daughter of Tashir's king, is sent to neighboring ally kingdom, Vanzador, to marry crown prince Alaric after her sister, Rowenna, is suspiciously murdered after her own marriage to Alaric. Angry and distrustful, Indira makes it her mission to figure out what exactly happened to her sister and expose nefarious plots she is certain Alaric and his father are up to. What she didn't expect was to grow close to Alaric in the process...

The plot was my absolute favorite part. As a reader, you're suspicious right along with Indira and trying to put the pieces together with her as well. Fully engaged from the jump. Don't even get me started on the numerous curveballs and plot twists Thorley threw at us near then end. My jaw was permanently on the floor. The last 30% was so chaotic in the best way.

The magic system was also very intriguing. Alaric and his father can control the earth, and Indira is a special kind of gardener that can grow a special plant that both kingdoms just so happen to need to survive for different reasons. As the book goes along, more aspects of their magic get revealed, but you'll have to read to find out more as it is spoilery.

Indira is a force to be reckoned with. She was determined, stubborn, and was not about to sit idly off to the side and become passive in her situation. Even if she made some naive mistakes, she was really someone you could root for. Her relationship with her sister was beautifully done. Sisterhood is an important theme in this book, and was executed so well. Alaric, on the other hand, was my only gripe. He came off a bit whiny and childlike to me. I think Thorley wanted to use his trauma as an excuse for his behavior, which I understood to a degree, but didn't fully believe in this story..

I definitely recommend this to YA romantasy lovers!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for sending an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[nihaarika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars (rounded up to 5)

i feel so incredibly lucky that i got to read burn the kingdom down because this turned out to be absolutely incredible. this was far darker than i expected it to be, and you know what, i'm here for that.

the enemies-to-lovers aspect of this is so well done; and for a large chunk of the book, indira and alaric actually stay enemies. the hatred indira feels for alaric and his kingdom is palpable. the world building was soo good, and the descriptions of tashir and vanzadoria felt so realistic and brutal. i loved how the magic system was centered around the earth, and how indira and alaric's powers felt similar and different at the same time.

indira was an amazing protagonist for this story. driven by grief over her sister and a desire to take revenge on alaric and his kingdom, she finds herself in vanzadoria in a marriage to a prince who may or may not have killed her sister. without spoiling, let me just say her character development is so so good, and so well done. without fail, i think that's the best part of the book. seeing indira go from who she was at the start of the story, to making her own choices and fighting for people she wasn't expecting to care about, was soo good and made for a fun reading experience.

as for the romance? like i said, it's enemies to lovers done so well. indira and alaric had such incredible chemistry, and not gonna lie, i was shipping them so hard pretty early on. i loved seeing the relationship develop over the course of the story, and seeing them grow close as the plot unravels. i would have loved to see more of the politics and a longer explanation for the growing/stone magic. i do think the book would have benefited from having an epilogue, rather than being cut off without letting us know what happens in the future.

nevertheless, burn the kingdom down was a pretty solid enemies to lovers fantasy, and i hope we get to see more books set in the world.

thank you sourcebooks fire for sending me an e-arc through netgalley!

[lape.titemortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burn the Kingdom Down is a richly plotted YA fantasy that blends some political intrigue, murder mystery, and a slow-burn romance. The story follows Princess Indira, whose sister was sent as a captive bride to a rival kingdom but died. Convinced it wasn’t an accident, Indira marries her sister’s husband, Prince Alaric (I know, I know), so she can uncover the truth of her sister’s death and exact revenge. But we quickly realize that loyalties shift, secrets are buried, and nothing is what it seems.

I enjoyed Indira’s character development. In the beginning, she was quiet and reserved. She lived in her sister’s shadow and needed constant reassurance from her. We watch her overcome grief and other emotional huddles. Resulting in her self-discovery and finding her own voice and strength.
The emotional themes of grief, betrayal, and trust are handled with care. The emotional journey is written realistically, which makes the stakes high and engaging.
The romance between Indira and Prince Alaric was also well-executed, and their tension and chemistry were satisfying, with banter and mutual growth that feel earned. There was no spice. It is presumed they had sex, but it was off-page, fade to black. This is a clean, YA romance.
Lastly, the plot twist was predictable because of the subtle hint early on, but it didn’t take away from the story. Addie’s lyrical writing style has you focusing on other moving parts that you don’t expect when it’s going to happen. It was a pleasant surprise.

I do wish Addie had added more detailed exploration of the politics, magic system, and larger setting. I felt some aspects weren’t resolved or felt out of place. This being a standalone, I wished for a more extended epilogue or additional scenes after the climax! The ending felt abrupt and rushed.

Overall, Burn the Kingdom Down is a readable YA romantasy, especially if you love emotional depth with your fantasy and romance. If you’re a sucker for character complexity, emotional arcs, and heartbreaking twists, this is for you.

Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire for my free e-ARC 💕

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her sister Rowenna ends up dead, Princess Indira journeys to the country of Vanzador and marries her sister’s betrothed, Prince Alaric, in an attempt to figure out what truly happened to Rowenna and get revenge against her murderer.  But everyone in Vanzador has secrets.  And none seem to be bigger than Rowenna’s.

Throughout the novel, Indira often hears the voice of her sister talking to her.  This actually becomes a huge point of growth for Indira.  She realizes later on in the novel that she’s actually attributed the voice of her sister to her own insecurities and self-doubts, which developed due to the way her sister treated her when they were children.  This particular subplot is interesting, because Indira spends the first third of the novel hero-worshipping her sister, essentially making excuses for Rowenna’s bad behavior.  However, we slowly get to see Indira question these behaviors and grow into someone who doesn’t need to live in Rowenna’s shadow.

The worldbuilding in this novel was well done.  I appreciated that every element the author chose to focus on was relevant to understanding a character’s status within the society.  For example, Alaric explains to Indira (after she chastises him for lacking a proper shirt), that wearing less clothing in Vanzador is a show of strength due to how cold it gets in the region.

The growing attraction between Indira and Alaric made sense based on how they ended up having to work together.  I appreciated that each interaction helped them learn more about one another and shed prejudices.  Addie Thorley does a great job of pacing the romance plot, so when these two characters finally come together and declare their feelings for one another, it feels earned.

I also want to call attention to the fact this is a standalone novel.  So many romantasy books on the market are duologies or longer series, so I appreciate that this is a contained story. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Marie -The Reading Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this review copy

Review:
The premise of this book was what drew me to it. Murder mystery, political marriage, a dash of romance. However, there was parts that left me wanting more. The mystery was the only solid part, even when the MC, Indira, was being irrational and not asking questions. I do get it, she is young and dealing with the trauma of losing her sister. But when things that don't add up present themselves, she doesn't question anything just makes assumptions about what really happened.

While the magic system was well crafted and had a consequence, it did take half the book to get into how it worked. But leading up that, the MC didn't really do much. She rarely learned from her mistakes, and just reacted to things. The relationships in this book all felt underdeveloped. The two friendships she forms aren't explored much as I would've liked. One kind of is, but Indira was too quick to trust one of them, and we never see her form trust for the other. It made some of the reveals near the end make less sense as one betrays her and the other doesn't. But the romance was by far the least developed. It is slow burn, but to the point that they fall in love mostly off-page. They share some secrets with each other, share a few kisses and suddenly they're in love. It didn't feel earned to me.

The book also kind of just ends with what felt like a lot of loose ends. From everything I've seen this is a standalone, but it feels like half the story. The number of loose ends and unresolved plot lines makes the story feel half-baked. I don't know if there is enough for a whole second book, but there's just too much left unresolved.

Over all this book was good. I liked the two magic systems, and it was well written. I just wanted a little bit more.

[Kari Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of fantasy that grabs you early and refuses to let go. Addie Thorley delivers a story that’s fierce, emotional, and layered with tension, balancing high-stakes magic with deeply personal struggles.

What really shines is the atmosphere—dark, simmering, and charged with danger. The world feels sharp-edged and alive, and every choice carries weight. Thorley excels at character work, especially when it comes to inner conflict; motivations are messy, believable, and constantly evolving. The FMC in particular inspires that perfect mix of rooting-for-her energy and absolute frustration when her choices don’t quite land—but that realism only makes her more compelling. You’re not just watching events unfold around her—you’re feeling them.

The pacing is strong throughout, with quieter moments that build dread and reflection, followed by bursts of intensity that hit hard with so many twists and turns that the reader is anxious to learn what will happen next. Themes of power, loyalty, identity, and consequences are woven seamlessly into the plot without ever feeling preachy.

Best of all, the book trusts its readers. It doesn’t over-explain or play it safe, and that confidence makes the story even more compelling.

If you love fantasy with bite—where emotions run high, choices matter, and the tension keeps building—this is absolutely worth your time. It’s an excellent fit for YA library collections—perfect for teens who enjoy fantasy with strong emotions, moral complexity, and fast-moving plots. A definite must-read for fans of darker, character-driven fantasy. There is a lot to love here, making it a standout recommendation for school and public libraries alike.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑠-𝑡𝑜-𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑒
𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒 & 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑙𝑠
𝑀𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦

Looking for a romantasy standalone that delivers fierce emotion, layered mystery, and breathtaking romance? This is it.

A year ago, Indira’s sister Rowenna was sent to the enemy nation as a captive bride. Now she’s dead, her body returned in a coffin after an “accidental” fall from a cliff.

Convinced it was murder, Indira agrees to marry the same prince to uncover the truth from within. Her plan is simple: gain their trust, find Rowenna’s killer, and 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯.

But nothing in Vanzador is as her sister described. As Indira grows closer to Prince Alaric and unravels the secrets behind Vanzador’s power and Rowenna’s final days, she’s forced to question everything she thought she knew because everyone, even her sister, is hiding deadly secrets.

This isn’t a fast-paced battle heavy fantasy, it’s a slow-burn unraveling of truth, revenge, and love. The final twists left me reeling; I never saw the ending coming.

Every character feels achingly real. Indira is a standout heroine: fierce, clever, and heartbreakingly human. And Alaric is complex, conflicted, and impossible not to fall for. Their chemistry grows naturally and is tender and devastatingly emotional. My only gripe would be wanting a bit more spark and tension in the romance and a deeper dive into the magic system.

If you love a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy of revenge and secrets, then add this to your tbr! 🔥👑

✦ Thank you Addie Thorley, @sourcebooksfire and @netgalley for an early e-copy! ✦
Rating: 4.5/5

[Meghan Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Wow!!!! I literally couldn’t put this down. This is an excellent standalone YA novel. The story immediately takes off running and it’s non-stop action and intrigue the entire time. It’s dark and macabre, with haunting and gory descriptions. This was a grim tale of family, love, and growth.

4.5 ⭐️

Indira is a fascinating main character, made even more interesting by her sister’s ghost haunting every corner of her mind.

Alaric was brooding yet deeply sensitive and sad. I really enjoyed getting to know both characters as they grew through shared trauma.

I loved the character’s wit, the unique magic system and interesting world, and the fantastic writing. The way that Indira interacts with the world is deeply rooted in her culture, and this is so evident throughout the nature inspired metaphors, similes, and images. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into this world and how it shapes the characters!

My only complaint and the reason for a .5 star deduction was that Elodie’s character felt flat and one dimensional, especially considering she played such a large role in the end. I think part of that is intentional, as we see the world through Indira’s eyes and she thinks Elodie is vast and senseless. But I still would have liked to know more about her wants and motivations outside of being the main character’s friend.

Overall, I would absolutely read this author’s work again! I can’t wait for my physical copy when the book releases in April. Put this on your TBR if you like fast-paced stories with excellent romance. You won’t be disappointed!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was super into it from the very beginning. I loved the magic system. It wasn’t over the top and crazy. It was simple and stemmed from nature which was really cool. There was murder mystery, enemies to lovers, found family and several twists and turns. It was unique and had the perfect pace.

The magic system was super neat. Indira is a master gardener. She can sing to plants and seeds to help them grow. The Bagrava is a special plant that is necessary for their other crops to grow and thrive. However, the Vanzadorians keep taking more and more from them, leaving them with little to nothing, putting Tashir at risk to starve. The people of Tashir assume the King and Prince of Vanzadir need the bagrava to fuel their power- the ability to move earth. An alliance was created between the two countries. The Tashir Princess will marry the Vanzadorian Prince. The Vanzadorian King, Soren, builds mountains to keep the marauders out from stealing or burning Tashir’s crops. In exchange, a percentage of their bagrava will go to Vanzadir monthly. The story starts with Rowenna the Tashir princess, leaving Tashir to marry the prince and fulfill the treaty. A year later, she’s dead and now Indira must go to fulfill the treaty. Angry and heartbroken over her sister’s death, she promises to avenge her sister and take out Vanzadir from the inside out. But once there, as things unfold and nothing appears to be how Rowenna said it was, she’s uncertain if she knew her sister at all.

Love, love, LOVED it!