[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DAW in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
As a baby, Rory had a naming ceremony. And, as in the long ago history of her people, the fairies arrived to bestow their gifts and blessings – kindness, beauty, harp-playing, and the ability to “know the truth when she hears it” as well as the ability to see her way out of trouble. Odd gifts for a princess in some cases, but oh, so handy for Rory’s future.
For several years, that naming ceremony was one of the more interesting stories about Rory. She was a feisty, strong-willed princess, still too young for much responsibility in the kingdom. She did occasionally hang out with visiting royalty, though, especially kids like Prince Ivar.
The Prince’s visit is where everything changed. His father was killed by one of his own servants during the visit to Rory’s world, and Rory’s father was gravely injured in the incident. It set their world on the course to war. Rory’s father dies, and her mother delivers their second child – a son – who suddenly displaces Rory as the one to inherit the throne thanks to antiquated rules of inheritance. This leaves Rory to be married off when it becomes politically useful. When that times arrives, and Rory is sent to her betrothed’s world, the political secrets and royal maneuvering kicks up to a whole new level!
Review
This is a very long book. At times, it is wordy and overly self-aware. That threatened to derail my reading and enjoyment of this. The nature of the story – the world building, character development, and the time span from Rory’s birth to the end – is part of the issue. There’s a lot to cover! I’m not sure you could split the story in any good way that would make sense. So readers need to push through. When you can get into the rhythm and style of the narrator, and can move through the first section of the book which handles most of the set up (pretty much the whole summary above), then the story picks up cohesiveness and a good pace through to the end. (FYI, this is not a “multiverse” in the sense of multiple timelines or versions of the same characters.)
Once Rory gets to Urse to wait for her impending marriage, it was easier for me to hang onto the story, and I quite enjoyed it. There’s still a good bit of character development to come for Rory and a couple of the other characters who are in the whole novel. At 16, with her magic and fairy gifts and her training, Rory becomes a fantastic, fascinating character in act 2 and beyond. I especially enjoyed Rory and her relationship with her primary guards.
There’s a good deal of suspense in the second and third acts of the story. The Regent for the “Free Worlds” is a formidable adversary. And to him, Rory is a tool – a means to an end. She has to be smart, plan five steps ahead, and use her gifts to camouflage her intentions. I really enjoyed watching her work! Fantasy and science fiction fans – settle in for a long story. Relax through the set up and then enjoy the great conclusion!