http://bactra.org/weblog/algae-2017-09.html#raby ( )

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A political alliance, bad blood, and assassination attempts make this book a fast paced easy read.

Opening Sentence: “Celeste followed her older brother, Emperor Lucien of Kjall down the sun-drenched pier at the docks of Riat.”

The Review:

Celeste is the sister to the Imperial Emperor and she expects to marry for duty. So she isn’t that shocked when her brother suggests a marriage to Prince of Inya. Celeste is pleasantly surprised by how handsome the prince is, but can see he doesn’t appear to feel the same way. Rayn is still angry about the former emperor, Celeste’s father, who waged war on numerous countries and killed his aunt. Although he is sort of willing to admit that the brother and sister seem to not want to follow in his footsteps.

On a trip to another island in which Celeste is supposed to get to know Rayn better and appeal to him about the possible marriage, an assassination is attempted on both of them. Celeste goes overboard and Rayn follows and saves her life. The two grow closer, before Rayn again pulls away because of his feelings about the previous emperor. However, as he spends more time with her he realizes that she is nothing like her father and begins to fall in love. Until her brother catches wind of how he feels and withdraws the offer of marriage from Rayn.

Celeste than realizes the assassination attempts had nothing to do with her and everything to do with Rayn, will she be able to save him before it’s too late.

I really didn’t know what to think going into this book, especially since it’s the third book in a series I have not read. However, I didn’t feel lost at all and I devoured this book. From the moment I started it, I didn’t put it down until I was finished. I immediately added the previous books to my TBR list. I loved Celeste. She had some self esteem issues but overall she was smart, determined and completely unafraid to take action. Rayn initially seemed like a bit of a blockhead, but eventually he really showed how intelligent he was and willing to admit when he was wrong.

Their love story was kind of a the backstory to all the plots and subterfuge going on, but even though it was a bit subtle, it was so good. I really want to go on and on, but I am a bit afraid to give something away. It was just a great story that sucks you in and pulls you a long for the ride. I couldn’t wait to find out who was working against him, and who was plotting to end his life. And while at times it was easy to know or guess who it was, it really didn’t stop you from wanting to finish the book and see how it all ended.

Notable Scene:

“Lack of coffee is doing nothing for my mood.”

“Find out motivates him that when you come back, we can bring him into the fold.”

“She fell forward sickeningly and found herself flailing in the open air, hurtling toward water.”

“Tomorrow, she would take matters into her own hands.”

FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Prince’s Fire. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. ( )

Thoughts:


I´ve been waiting for this book to come out since i read "Assasin´s Gambit" :)

Both leads were very three dimensional, especially Celeste, who i felt i got to know the most. She is really vulnerable and easy to relate-to, and ever since i read book 1, I´ve been wanting her to find her own happy ending. I also liked Rayn(even when he was being standoffish at the beginning) and loved the fact that he was a flawed,confident,normal guy.

The only thing i didn´t like was the sex scene when the characters barely knew each other. I felt it was kind of unnecessary at that point.

But,other than that, i liked it and I will definitely read book 4, although i haven´t the slighlest idea of who it might be about..:) ( )