5 stars I received an ARC of this book from the author; it’s a part of the prequels to the Kingdom of the White Sea series. This, the story of Corin and Yesenia and their forced marriage, is a compelling and memorable one. We also see a bit into the marriages of Yessenia’s two brothers Kallum and Byrne, and of course, Corin’s sister Gretchen (but only until she leaves) and older brother Aidan, a chip off the old block if ever there was one. We gain insight into the struggle for Yesenia, coming from a family in which she was mostly respected and given the opportunity to express her opinions. And the struggle for Corin, who has somehow rejected the lust for power embraced by his father, brother, and even his mother. It’s difficult not to fall in love with Corin. He sees himself as weak, but he’s not. As Yesenia points out, referring to Aidan’s bullying, “Ye donnae bully someone because they are less than you. You bully because they aren’t.” When Corin realizes his strength, it is something to behold. I loved this description of Chasten Quinlanden, Corin’s father: “His crisply defined features—a sharp jaw, aquiline nose, and eyes so chillingly blue they looked preternatural—were emphasized in startling relief, as if painted by one who had never actually seen a man with their own eyes.” Yesenia’s assessment of Corin’s parents is sadly accurate: “The difference between Chasten and Marianna was not the degree of warmth each possessed, Yesenia thought, but the desire and ability to act in possession of it.” This is an emotional read about two people thrown together by circumstance, against their wills, who grow to care for and, eventually, love one another. I loved it! April 25, 2022
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Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
September 2022
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