Deyanira, Deya, is one of the top healers for Praiton. Serving under Mother Clarita she knows her place, she must keep her head down and magical healing hands busy restoring wounded soldiers from the battle fields. However, when she overhears that Clarita and Lord Decius are poisoning the king she finds herself brutally punished and imprisoned within Ironbalt Prison.
When a deadly disaster happens to her newly found friend, Oswallt, Deya must break the rules and use her healing magic once again. This decision sets off a cataclysmic series of events allowing her and a band of misfits to escape Ironbalt. Together they must overcome their differences to fight their common enemies and exact their long overdue revenge. Can Deya overcome the horrific events that have plagued her? Can she find solace in who she has now become?
Overall rating 5/5
Not all fantasy books need to feel light and happy in my opinion. Taylor brought to life the raw, emotional and dark side to PTSD and how Deya had to reach rock bottom before climbing out of the depths of despair. I enjoyed how the characters were able to find comfort in their new found family after the tragedies they endured. As the reader it was difficult to have empathy for the ever grumpy Caelum. It was surprising to have a MMC that is so dislikable to be a hero, but it worked so well to balance out the story and to show the darkness that some relationships have. I am truly anticipating the second installment.
*Thank you to Victoria Taylor for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.