This was surprisingly good. I mean no one ever really expects prequels to be - they're usually too short and without having read the rest of the series, often confusing. I haven't read the rest of this series but this was a really great introduction to the characters and the world of Orovalle. I loved Alodia. She was brilliant. She was smart and fierce and a total badass. Especially for a Queen. She dislocates her own ankle and then knocks herself out relocating it. Awesome. When was the last time you read about a Queen doing that? ...okay maybe but it was still cool. The relationship between Alodia and her steward, Lord Zito was sweet. Alodia calls him her best friend. Awww. It was interesting to see the relationship between Alodia and her sister, Elisa. I think sometimes it's hard for older sisters to recognise that their little sisters have grown up and changed and are not who they were. It resonated with me, seeing as my little sister and I have been fighting about that exact issue lately. I enjoyed the plot and I've very interested to read more of the series. Hopefully Elisa will be as enjoyable to read about as Alodia was.
