Young Adult Fantasy meets Batman in this epic new trilogy from S. Usher Evans
Book Synopsis:
For the past three years, Brynna has been patrolling the streets of Forcadel as a masked vigilante, protecting the innocent and beating up bad guys. Her current target is Lord Beswick, a slumlord businessman who keeps the townsfolk in a vicious poverty cycle. But one fateful evening, she's captured by Felix, the captain of the king's guard, and told a shocking truth: her father and brother are dead, and she needs to hang up her mask and become queen.
Before long, she negotiates a deal with Felix: attend to her royal duties during the day and continue her vigilante mission to take out Lord Beswick at night---at least until her coronation. But the politics of Forcadel are as volatile as the streets, and Brynna isn't sure whom she can trust in the castle. With two royals dead in less than a month, she must use all her wits to make sure she isn't the third.
MINOR SPOILERS
I had fun reading this book. Brynna makes an interesting flawed but lovable protagonist. She uses her street skills in her vigilante life and her royal life which glad she didn't give up. I enjoyed the story and felt a rush when I finished it. But when I did finish, I started to think of things where the story could have improved but I still felt positively about the overall story.
The setting and flow of the story read easily to me. I did have trouble imagining the protagonist at first but it was settled a little into the beginning. There is a fantasy magical element but it's minimal so if you're looking for lots of magic, you'll get mostly magical realism instead.
I enjoyed how easy it read and the funny zingers made me smile. I like how Brynna takes initiative and doesn't take crap from anyone. She's clever and a survivalist.
The love interest felt weak to me, I liked him but I feel like he either hindered Brynna or distracted her. He felt more like a parent or older brother than love interest. He's a good person but I didn't really get the feeling he cared for that way until the end. If you're looking for romance, you won't find it here.
Loved the relationship she had with her sister-in-law. I think that was portrayed well and I enjoyed the bond they gained the more they spent together.
I think the part that frustrated me the most was how Brynna wasn't so flexible in her life. When she became the princess again, it's like she forgot what she learned the previous 13 years as a princess when she grew up. I know she'd need retraining but it's like it never existed. I thought she would retain a little information before she ran away. I liked that she didn't forget her vigilante ways though once she was back in the castle.
I would classify this book as an older YA to Adult for certain scenes. Just my opinion for parents who buy their teens books.
Overall, a good story! I recommend it as a mix between a female Batman and Robin Hood, more in the means where she protects those who can't. A fun adventure and I enjoyed the conclusion.
3.6 out of 5 for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
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