I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Zora had been a pretty decent person her whole life. Until her (ex) boyfriend turned out to be a scumbag and thought she was incapable of a lot of things, all because she was a girl. What else could she do by taking her revenge, knocking him out of the competition, and taking his place in the Games for herself? Despising love and being looked down on, Zora decides she’s going to win the Games to save her people and prove that she can. With a prince trying to knock her out of the competition, another prince forcing her to play weird games, and someone trying hard to murder her, Zora has a lot to worry about whether she’s in the arena or not.

Zora is such an awesome main character! I loved how she didn’t let people walk all over her, even the royalty! Her desire for revenge (mostly to spite all the men looking down on her) was quite amusing and her sarcastic nature was so entertaining! I didn’t care for how she seemed to cry somewhat frequently for someone who claims to be strong, though. However, her clever tactics and determination to win were definitely brilliant!

The world-building, particularly the idea of the Dark Valley, was so fascinating! The idea of the Royal Games was cool as well, though there’s still a lot about it we don’t know. I have a lot of questions about it, but I guess more will be revealed in the next book! The political games that were being played were also interesting; there’s some plot twist stuff towards the end that made me rather curious! The romance fell a little flat for me, and I didn’t really care for most of the side characters, but it’s always possible things will change in the next book.

Ultimately, I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes to see a female fighter as a main character and who appreciates unique world-building, political games, and competitions!

First off, I was really entreated to get this book because of its beautiful cover and as well as its promising premise which revolves around the strong female character and the complexities of royalty life. And you know the drill, having royalties in a YA Fantasy is such a *chef kiss.

Anyway, the plot is very clear, nothing that can confuse you because the whole ride is very interesting for readers to follow up. Unputdownable I would say. You can actually read this book in one sitting due to its easy and comprehensive narration. This book is written from an omniscient point of view and I think it's better in that way since it's a high fantasy.

YUP, there's some magic included here and for once I'm relieved that this book doesn't turn out to be like a typical one where the main character who comes from the slums suddenly breaks down the barrier between the poor and the rich by having an unbeatable power (You know what I'm saying). Instead, what I found profound and unique in this story is that the main character itself holds a very indomitable spirit as she doesn't really possess any special qualities. Her skills are only built up from her usual routines which are killing the shadow creatures and teaching other children how to survive and kill them. Not only that, but I also like her bravery in confronting a head-on with anyone who looks down upon the women's status. I SMELL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT HERE. So it's definitely a yes book for me.

If you're looking for a strong feminist who suddenly finds herself entangled in the game of royalties (3 princes at that) then this book is for you. I honestly live for the funny banters between the female character and the youngest prince. Both of them have the same wrath harbored towards each other and the fact that they are competitors in a quest for attaining the glory of the Blood Cup is really entertaining and interesting.

One star is missing because of that abrupt ending and the unexpected blow. The twist in the end really propelled you to get anticipated for the upcoming second book, The Curse and The Prince, which will be released in 2021. I can't wait to start reading it. Thank you to Netgalley and Day Leitao for providing me an e-arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

I sat down and absolutely plowed through this book. It was INCREDIBLE. The characters, the world and the very well done plot drew me almost immediately. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this and I cannot wait until I get my hands on a physical copy!

Readers of the KInder Poison and Shadow and Bone will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is a well balanced blend of magic, court intrigues, action, and romance.

17 year old Zora enters the Royal Games in her ex’s place as a way to show him that she is capable of achieving glory. However upon arriving she finds herself in the middle of three brothers each with their own agenda.

Going into the story I thought there would be a little more romance than was show cased however I believe future books in this series will most likely have those elements. All in all i found this was a great quick read that checked off all my favorite things, royalty, fantasy, romance and action.

If I were to critique one thing i would’ve liked to have seen more of Zora’s physical strength.

Overall I would say that if you need a book to get you out of a slump this book is for you.