Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Mystery
Length: 400 pages
Author: M.K. Lobb
Publisher: Little Brown
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In the city of Ombrazia, saints and their disciples rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive.

After her father’s murder at the hands of the Ombrazian military, Rossana Lacertosa is willing to do whatever it takes to dismantle the corrupt system—tapping into her powers as a disciple of Patience, joining the rebellion, and facing the boy who broke her heart. As the youngest captain in the history of Palazzo security, Damian Venturi is expected to be ruthless and strong, and to serve the saints with unquestioning devotion. But three years spent fighting in a never-ending war have left him with deeper scars than he wants to admit… and a fear of confronting the girl he left behind.

Now a murderer stalks Ombrazia’s citizens. As the body count climbs, the Palazzo is all too happy to look the other way—that is, until a disciple becomes the newest victim. With every lead turning into a dead end, Damian and Roz must team up to find the killer, even if it means digging up buried emotions. As they dive into the underbelly of Ombrazia, the pair will discover something more sinister—and far less holy. With darkness closing in and time running out, will they be able to save the city from an evil so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything in its path?

I LIKED IT.

This book doesn’t seem to have rave reviews, but y’all, I really enjoyed it!! I don’t know if the audiobook helped it’s case, though I do highly recommend that route. This kind of reminded me of Blood & Moonlight with more romance.

And that was my favorite sub plot. I liked the second chance romance between Roz and Damian. There was plenty of tension and push/pull with even a few flashbacks to get a feel for their connection when they were kinds until now. I was very invested in this plot and hope it continues to develop well in the next book. It’s a mix of forbidden & childhood friends too. ALL GOOD THINGS.

I loved the murder mystery too. It was intriguing and kept me guessing. I don’t feel like it was super obvious who was doing what and I liked the complexity of the religious, political and societal aspects throughout the book. Maybe more things could be fully developed, but it’s a good read and one I’d easily recommend.

Overall audience notes:

• YA Fantasy Mystery + Romance
• Language: a little strong
• Romance: vague & brief open (leans towards NA over YA)
• Violence: high
• Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, near death experience, kidnapping, battle themes, loss of loved ones

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