This is a fantasy romance that takes place in Southeast Asia and I loved how Guanzon brought that part of the world alive. The typhoons and volcanoes are part of the magic in the story and the details of the world building are incredible – they combine ancient magic with technology to build powerful magical airships. The romance is a slow burn, enemies to lovers (they literally try to kill each other more than once) and a marriage of convenience.

Tasalyn is a warrior fighting for her country that is under siege by Prince Alaric, the son of the ruthless Night Emperor. I liked how fascinated Alaric was with Talasyn from the moment he first saw her light up on the battlefield with her Lightweaver magic. Talasyn was drawn to Alaric, who was tall and dark with Night Shadow magic. Tasalyn’s fierce grandmother, Urduja, offers Talasyn to Alaric as a bride to form an alliance between their warring countries. I liked how they both have a strong sense of duty to their family and country.

Tasalyn and Alaric had unhappy childhoods and yearn for someone to love and I want that for them. My favorite scene is when they combine their powers and create a force stronger than they have ever seen before -they have great chemistry😊 It looks like they will need each other to survive new threats headed their way in the next books. Their love story is pretty angsty. They pledged to love each other at their wedding and  their attraction felt real when Alaric kissed Talasyn and she felt ‘the winter of her soul burst into spring time flowers’. But it seemed like she was fighting an inner battle to keep from falling in love with him so I wasn’t convinced they loved each other at the end of this book, but I’m hopeful that will come in the next book in the series.

I struggled with the large number of character names and countries to remember and it would have helped to have a map and a list of characters. There is a war between their countries and that was sad along with complex political intrigue and schemes when they were at court. Readers that like fanfiction, this is a Kylo Ren and Rey fanfiction inspired story. Something evil is trying to destroy their world and the love of the Tasalyn and Alaric and their special powers is going to be what saves the day. 

I think fantasy readers who enjoy a slow burn, angsty romance, magic with battles and court intrigue would like this. Plus, the purple book cover is gorgeous.