I kind of love this book. There was plenty of action, some kind of romance things going on, a slew of interesting characters, great world building, and some awesome tones of feminism and equality.
What. A. Knock. Out!!!
An amazon summary, "In this epic debut fantasy, inspired by Renaissance France, an outcast finds herself bound to a disgraced lord and entangled in his plot to overthrow the king. Perfect for fans of Grave Mercy and Red Queen!
Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron. Growing up in Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her. While some are born with a talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she chose knowledge. However, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true: she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, she reluctantly accepts. But there is much more to his story, for there is a dangerous plot to overthrow the king of Maevana—the rival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the throne.
With war brewing, Brienna must choose which side she will remain loyal to: passion or blood.
Plus don't miss the thrilling sequel, The Queen's Resistance!" AMAZON LINK OF JUSTICE
Brienna has been studying to passion since she was ten. Her mother was from Valenia, but her father is someone from the neighboring country, Maevana. There are five passions that may be studied: Art, Music, Knowledge, Drama, and Wit. She tried Art, Music, Drama, and Wit for a year before she spent three years studying Knowledge. Usually, most students have seven years to master one passion. In Brienna's case, since she didn't settle into Knowledge until her fifth year, she is a bit unusual. Still, her teacher believes she can find a patron.
The party where patrons interview the students goes well for the other five students, but not for Brienna. She doesn't find a patron. The headmistress offers to let her stay at the school for the summer until a patron can be found for her.
But, Brienna has started to have odd moments, almost like memories from another time when she's in certain situations. She tells the headmistress of this, and it seems that the headmistress has a particular patron in mind, but it could lead her on a dangerous path.
Brienna is ready.
That's enough summary.
I freaking loveeeeeee this book. I love how much of a realistic badass Brienna is, and how she conquers her path through the world. Seeing her grow as a character through different situations was kind of inspiring.
Plus, I loved that the world building was medieval, but also medieval while being empowering to women in terms of scenarios. Like, the freaking women in Maevana were encouraged to wear dirks under their clothes in case they need to strike.
The whole world building feels kind of flawlessly woven in throughout all the chapters. There are two clearly established but different countries. There's also kind of periodic notes and reminders about the differences between countries.
The other characters are also super well thought out and great. How the plot unfolds and weaves into each other to get to the resolution is great. All of it, well done, well done. Loved it. Going to read the sequel SOON.
Happy reading!!!
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