“Don't ask for the truth, boy, unless you're ready to hear it.”

My expectations were a bit high with this book because I've heard only good things about Cinda Williams Chima's books, and this series, as well as its sequel, in particular. I guess I was expecting something spectacular from the go, while I should've known this was going to be an introductory book. I don't think it's a bad book at all, but as I said, this is merely an introduction to this world, the players in this game, their roles in the grand scheme, and the big plot of the series. My main issue with it is that it's a bit too predictable and the actual climax comes and goes in a single chapter. Also, we don't fear much for our protagonists - as I said, everything is a bit predictable and we can see how things will proceed early on.

Raisa was also a bit of a letdown because at first, I thought she would be smart, a strategist, and very aware of the political games at court - while in fact, she was so naive that everyone around her saw what was going on before her. Her biggest concern through most of the novel was her boy problems, which was grating for a character who claimed from her first appearance that she didn't want to be just a pretty thing that goes to balls and gossip with the courtiers, but make a real difference and learn how to rule.

By the end, I was interested to see where the story and these characters are going, and I see a lot of potential for the next installments to be amazing and it's a good introductory book, but no more than that.