I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review but all opinions are entirely my own. additionally, before I was even - gods blessedly - given aN advanced copy I had preordered this book on Amazon because I wanted to read it THAT BADLY.THIS BOOK has been teased around indie bookstagram,talked about with reverence by those fortunate enough to beta read it and I swear to you on all Five of the Gods: it is worth the hype. In fact, I can’t remember a time where a book has Not only lived up to the hype but exceeded my expectations.This book has everything: subterfuge, a lost princess, a lost family, really. Kingdoms at war, bonds tighter than blood and binds worn away by grief and loss of hope...but once dusted away and polished...are revealed to be wright of pure silver and only needed polishing. There is a unique system of magic and the Gods linger in the corners of every page. There is battle and loss, sacrifice and redemption.Soren stole my heart. Chapter one, lines 3 and 4:“Irritation prickled up her legs at the unsatisfying thumps her feet made against the floorboards. She should have kept her boots on until she was done fuming.”Irreverent and headstrong she continuously made me laugh aloud. Her quick wit and sharp tongues banter were pure joy to experience as a reader. It even more of a joy: her heart, her hope and her determination which guide her through this novel like a beacon.“Her mother had always told her to give her dearest wishes to the stars, and they would carry them straight to the moon to see them granted.”I think I wasn’t even 8 chapters in before I knew this entire book had stolen my heart. I was alternately giggling then gasping in terror. Then chapter 16 came along and I was crying, old binds reformed and my heart clenched again: could she? Would they? Is this possible?“She attacked you.”“Only a little.”“Kallias.”“Really, Papa. Jericho fixed me up in seconds.”Fast forward to having not nearly enough time to read yet frantically pushing forward, asking the time because I HAD to know. The Atlas siblings had worked their way into my heart. Kallias, Finn, Jericho. As well as Vaughn, the King and Queen. Especially the King. Something about his scenes just...immediately queued the waterworks. But I cared about these people so much, and wanted them to rebuild these tenuous bonds, regain those flickering trusts. I held my breath on more than one occasion...and cheered and laughed aloud on others!“What’s so wrong with kissing me?” Soren demanded.“Well, to start, I’m sure the forked tongue would make things unpleasant.”Ellias. How could I possibly leave out the purest heart, the truest soul, the kindest battlemate and the sweetest jack@$$. (Read the book, you’ll get it). His bind with Soren shines the brightest, rivaled only by Finns and some of the other siblings interwoven bonds. Which are fraught with angst and fury but such deep love and devotion.“War breeds monsters in the minds of every side, but the truth isn’t often that grisly.”Well isn’t that the truth. This was is complex and its motives even murkier. At the heart of this novel is a conversation about grief and loss, how people handle this (or don’t ) and how it can change you, force you to make devastating choices. Sometimes even just the threat of loss…“...power isn’t power if someone has to give it to you. Power is something you claim for yourself. If it’s given, it can also be taken away. And the more people that have their eyes on you, the less you can get away with.”I did NOT fully see the extent of the twist that was coming. Brilliantly executed and sharply wielded. Which brings me back to the brilliance of Cassidy Clarke. I cannot believe this is her DEBUT novel. The prose, the wit, the ferocity and the expertly wielded arsenal of words that tugged at ALL the emotions. She is one to watch. And I am so very great full that this is a series. That I will have the distinct privilege to experience this story unfold in all its glory...because there is no doubt it will be glorious. There’s just no way. This debut was stunning. And I know Ms. Clarke has only just begun.“But he was already gone, his shadow replaced by stars—thousands uponthousands of glittering swathes strung across the sky like drapes over a bedframe, like waves thrown up against a shore of broken shells.”I have to say I am eternally greatful to have discovered this series thanks to authors Lina C. Amarego and Renee Dugan. Both brilliant authors in their own right, but together, with others, they have created this wonderful indie community where greatness thrives. Cassidy Clarke is a prime example of that greatness. This greatness was clearly already within her but I think it’s amazing how they all cheer one another on and are each other’s greatest fans. It really is inspiring and a bookish world I love to support, in my own small way. I raise my wine glass full of cocoa in salute.Now, as to my anticipation for the next book...I’ll let a few choice quotes speak for me. While I’m beyond eager for the next installment...I’m weary as to what my heart must brace itself to endure:“They paused for a moment when they reached the dining room door, both glancing at each other out of the corners of their eyes.“Good or bad, do you think?” Kallias asked quietly.Finn snorted, but there was no amusement in his voice when he said, “If the pattern holds, we may never get good news again.”And a collection of Finn’s best swears:“Tempest’s rotted teeth.”“Anima’s leafy pits.“Occassio’s grimy—”“By Anima and all her gods-damned tree-hugging followers”