Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

"Everyone has their games, little lamb. The Kaiser plays them in the palace, the Theyn plays them on the battlefield, Soren plays them on his ships. Even your friend plays them -- quite well, too."

 ✰✰✰✰

 4/5

Blurb pulled from here:

Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.

***

This is a tale of torture. 

Of war. 

It's a tough take on what happens with a kingdom is taken by another. I really liked that this story asked some of the difficult questions like when Theo asks herself if every Kalovaxian is her enemy, even if they have no blood on their hands. The MC is a realistic sixteen year old who has hell laid at her feet. I enjoyed watching her grow and the struggle she has with the decisions she needs to make. 

It can become confusing because the MC is given several names, although I will say that the author did this with purpose so the confusion is forgivable. Ideas and issues get tucked away and I am eager to see how they are resolved and moved forward within the next books. It does leave off on a bit of cliffhanger but nothing that is too concerning or frustrating.

If you're looking for a Fantasy book that puts hope above slavery, you'll like this. The main characters will all have you questioning how you feel and would act if placed in the same scenario.

Please note there is violence, unwanted sexual advances and mental health struggles abound.

You can buy the book here. I loaned this book from my local library. The sequel is slotted to come out in February.

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