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REVIEW: If 'on tenterhooks' were a book, this would fit the description (fyi who knew it wasn't tender hooks?). Angst, agony and a 2am finish really do add up to a successfully addictive book. Even the first 10-15% made up of world building and introductions nudged just enough mystery and unique characterisation of the female protagonist to keep my interest. Her maturity, devotion to her people, self-awareness, altruism and just pure goodness without feeding into a virginal stereotype were so compelling portrayed with layers of complexity enough for me to root for her subconsciously and even audibly when it comes to her one liner against K (initialised to reduce spoilers). 

The problem with pouring so much likeability and sheer credibility into the heroine is that all other characters pale and even sour in comparison. In particular the male princes verged on the point of flat at times with the commitment to their hatred, though you have to give credit to their unwavering resolve for cynicism though at this point its just prejudice. Despite  intermittent reminders of Soren's sacrifice and generosity for his peoples, his aspirations of royal leadership and capacity for empathy is contrasted by his utter inability to notice a good person when they're stood/chained right in front of him. It's frustratingly good for the tension of the novel but frustratingly unrealistic, as if the character cannot achieve any kind of development because not even truth will shame him out of his prejudice. I wish there were more instances of a softer/layered version him peeking through - or at least one who acknowledged more than just the 'fate-linked' portion of their connection. Is a bit of gratitude too much to ask?

Another pet peeve (purely self-inflicted) is the lack of sequel just yet. But again, my inability to check a lack of sequel or self-restrain the part of me that says 'ah well, I'll start the series anyway', makes for torture everytime a book like this shows its true cards. I honestly loved the world building, I loved the main character's honing of her craft of healing but ability to decimate on the battle field just adding that little bit of fire everyone wants in a strong female lead.