Welcome to Darmid, where magic is a sin, fairy tales are contraband, and the people live in fear of the Sorcerers on the other side of the mountains.

Rowan Greenwood has everything she’s supposed to want from life—a good family, a bright future, and a proposal from a handsome and wealthy magic hunter. She knows she should be content with what she has. If only she could banish the idea that there’s more to life than marriage and children, or let go of the fascination with magic she’s been forced to suppress since childhood.

When Rowan unknowingly saves the life of one of her people’s most feared enemies, that simple act of compassion rips her from her sheltered life and throws her into a world of magic that’s more beautiful, more seductive, and more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.

Rowan might get everything she ever dreamed of—that is, if the one thing she’s always wanted doesn’t kill her first. – Goodreads.com

Boy, I had no problem at all just falling right into this book and the world the author created from the very first page.  I would have loved to find a comfortable spot and read this book straight through.

Rowan was a very easy protagonist to identify with – who hasn’t wondered at some point in their life if this is all there is?  She’s torn between making her family and friends happy by doing what’s expected of a girl her age or going out on her own and seeing what else is out there.  With so many YA/NA books having female protagonists waiting for someone to rescue them from their dire circumstances, Rowan was a welcome change with her independence, compassion, sense of adventure, stubbornness, and touch of rebellion.

Aren, the male protagonist, came from difficult circumstances and also had some serious family obligations and expectations.  I enjoyed seeing how his character developed throughout this book.

The author did an excellent job of engaging the senses in her descriptions – the feel of fabric and tree bark, the smell of tea, the color of dresses, the taste of food.  I had no problems at all with imagery.

If I had to choose something I didn’t like about this book, it’s the fact that I got to the end and discovered the next book doesn’t come out until Winter 2015!

This book has something for everyone – fantasy, magic, a hint of fairy tales, dragons, humor, action, adventure, romance.  A thoroughly enjoyable debut novel.

This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.