Challenge Corner discussion

A debut fantasy romance filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal, as a dancer-turned-spy must decide how far she will go to secure her freedom

My protector is gone, revealed to be a monster. But I remind myself that I am not a damsel. I’m no princess bound within a tower.

I am a shadow.

Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.

As Illian’s orders grow bloody and dangerous, forcing her to harm and betray those around her, Vasalie discovers that the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster—one far closer to home. With her world threatened, Vasalie enlists the help of Illian’s brother and greatest adversary, the infamous King of the East.

As the rivalry between brothers escalates, with Vasalie caught in the middle, the horrifying truth of her past comes to light. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she’s willing to damn in the process.

This is the one I have been wanting to read the most. Im so far behind on my Fairyloot reads.

starting now, didnt anticipate to be such a busy day.

might join this one! i’m also behind on my FL reads but i’m very eager to read this one since the MC has POTS :)

CH 1-6 (view spoiler)[
The writing style has this fantastic rhythmic sway to it that really compliments the movements of dance. Intricate and deliberate words. End of chapter six feels like it’s leaning slightly on insta-love. (hide spoiler)]

CH 6-9 (view spoiler)[
At this point I have zero idea who the love interest is. Copelan needs to get the stick out of his butt. (hide spoiler)]

akacya ❦ wrote: "might join this one! i’m also behind on my FL reads but i’m very eager to read this one since the MC has POTS :)"

always welcome to have more join!

I have a long list of Fairyloot reads too! I'm hoping to start this one soon. Time got away from me a bit, lol

CH 10 - 12 (view spoiler)[
p 108 foreshadowing?
p 127/8 Minnow 😂. I really enjoy Anton's banter.

Im really glad that things are finally happening. Her dances have been cleverly entertaining. The world building, although immensely lush, has been feeling a bit overwhelming. It's nice that the plot is taking the forefront. My interest has re-peaked and I need answers. (hide spoiler)]

CH 13 - 18 (view spoiler)[
Vasalie has been a really interesting character. I like that she doesn't just take everything at face value and I will attest that to being in the courts for so long. She knows there is always more than meets the eye. At this point, she has just been standing by. Yes, she is questioning things and trying her best to put the pieces together. But she isn't doing much besides following orders in her own way. From what the ending of this chapter is implying, she is finally going to find her strength to fight back. Honestly with how long she was imprisoned I anticipated this to come much further like 75% in. (hide spoiler)]

CH 19 (view spoiler)[
I don't understand how Vasalie doesn't see Anton buying all of them in order to save them. (hide spoiler)]

CH 20 - 22 (view spoiler)[
Got this gut feeling that Anton knows FAR more about the truths behind the prophecy than he is letting us believe. Dance continues to be this show of rebellion especially with that kiss. It was also a nice poke to Illian. His way of dealing with it was not surprising to me in the slightest. Especially since he had a few years without her, he had to have some type of coping mechanism when your obsession runs that deep. (hide spoiler)]

CH 23 - 31 (view spoiler)[
These have been the best chapters. Getting further into the characters history, their connectioning is deepening. The chemistry besides their banter is starting to shine bright through.

p 331 "You have the absolute worst timing, Basile... in this moment, I do not like you very much"
ME TOO ANTON! (hide spoiler)]

CH 32 - 38 (view spoiler)[
I had an idea that this was the direction it was going on. It explains so much. There was no way her father wasn't keeping tabs on her with how overly consumed with power he displays. (hide spoiler)]

CH 39(view spoiler)[
👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍
This one gets to be separated because OH MY GOSH!
I love how far she has come. The millen in the face has me rolling and the ending. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[
Took about 60% for me to get fully invested but when it picks up... it picked up. The world is absolutely beautiful and it feels as if the surface has only been scratched. One thing I am not crazy is the "lost memory cliffhanger". Disappointing but maybe one can hope that book two will use this trope in a different angle/way. Leaning on 4 stars atm. (hide spoiler)]