Violet has a disability and because of it, her father keeps her hidden away. Although she is intelligent, kind and immensely strong, bearing pain without complaint, she is kept on the sidelines until her father's rebellion against the king sends her life into turmoil. Violet ends up being taken as a hostage prisoner by the king. Traveling through the kingdom she basks in her newfound freedom and learns all there is to know about the wide world she lives in.
I don't want to give any more of the plot away. All I will say is that this is high fantasy at its best. Ivinya's world comes to life beautifully. I love the small, almost insignificant details that make this book vivid and feel so real. I honestly journeyed with Violet through the marvels she encountered. Another outstanding detail is the magic in this world. Ivinya has constructed a fabulous magical system that is intriguing and fascinating. I lapped up every little tit-bit the author deigned to strew out. It was truly amazing.
I am also very impressed with the message of strength Ivinya sends to all those who are different and who are told that they cannot do something or be something because of an accident of their birth. It is an uplifting and inspiring message, truly worthy of our age and beautifully wrapped in a magical fantasy packaging that lets us escape the monotony of our mundane lives and live, even for a little bit, in a realm where dreams come true. A part of me is most satisfied with this stand-alone novel, while another would love to have the opportunity to immerse myself in that world over and over again. I'm sure I'll be reading this book again sometime. It really is that good.
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