Review: Thoroughly fulfilling book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 28, 2013
What a surprisingly fulfilling book. I have to admit I was a bit put off by the author's cheesy pen name but I'm glad I didn't let that stop me from purchasing it.I really prefer reviews that focus more on what the book made me feel but I'll give a brief summary of the plot: Shendar is a wealthy and peaceful kingdom. It's unusual in that the heirs are always from the women's line, ensuring the kingdom stays within the family. Queen Shian is merely fourteen, so her older brother, Prince Cray, acts as regent until she is of age. Unfortunately, a natural disaster has prompted a warrior tribe into trying to invade Shendar. Therefore it is decided to seek aid from the strong, neighboring kingdom. That kingdom's heir, Prince Reston, along with his brother, Revi, come for negotiations. It appears that they are amenable to lending aid if their countries become bound by a marriage contract. With little options, Shian and Cray agree but Cray believes his sister is too young to share a marriage bed. However, Reston says he'll honor their contract if Cray would act as substitute.This book richly explored the emotional, political and personal ramifications such a choice would involve. It was also interesting to see the delicate balance Cray had to keep in order to satisfy his duty to his people, his sister and himself. Despite that focus, the aspect of war wasn't overlooked or forgotten and a darker secret that Reston nursed was always hinted at which was intriguing but not distressing because I never doubted Reston's sincerity once.A really enjoyable read. It was never boring but neither was it outrageously thrilling but rather steadily and thoroughly enjoyable. That may not seem too complimentary but it is. Sometimes, I just want to read a book that I know with absolute certainty will end well for everyone and doesn't send me hurdling through a whirlwind of emotions. Very pleasing.