Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia, #1)

by Heather Frost

Clare made a mistake when she saved the princess's life . . .

In one horrible night, Clare is forced to give up her life as a kitchen maid to become the princess's decoy. Thrust into a dangerous new world of royals and deadly politics, she must learn how to be the princess's perfect double to ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard, Bennick. The spark between them is undeniable, though a relationship is forbidden. When a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, it becomes frighteningly clear that some will stop at nothing to end the tenuous peace-and Clare's life.

Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father's ultimate weapon. His name inspires fear in all who hear it, but no one knows his heavily guarded secret. He carries out every brutal order only because his father holds power over the one person he cares about. Grayson's silent obedience is tested, however, when his father reveals plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.

The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.

• ISBN10: 1734891904
• ISBN13: 9781734891904
• Publish Date: 15 June 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Heather Frost
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 420
• Language: English

Reviews

[sstaley]

Royal Decoy is a YA Fantasy that has a wonderful story. The novel has two separate storylines going on but it is so easy to follow. I love a novel that goes along at a fast pace with a lot of mystery, action, and great characters. Clare is a poor peasant that goes from a kitchen worker to living in the palace. She is likable and easy to cheer for as her life is always in danger as the decoy for the princess of her country. In the second storyline and another country, we meet Grayson a son of the King. Believe it or not, this is another wonderful character that I grew to like immediately, even though he is feared by his people as a vicious killer. He is known as the Black Hand. Grayson has a great love that he needs to protect and can only do this by his obedience to his father. There is more violence in his chapters, but it fits the story and circumstances.

This book grabbed me from the first chapter and is easily read. It really is hard to put down. I didn't figure out the person behind the threats until later than I usually do. This first book does a lot of building up of the world and its characters and I can't wait to read more about them in the next book. The romance is beautifully built at a slow pace but it is sweet. I have to say I think Clare and Bennick are so good together, but I also have a soft spot for Venn.

If you are looking for a good read with royalty, mystery, intrigue, spies, war, and romance, this book has it all. Heather Frost certainly delivers a great read with Royal Decoy.