Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Language: A reference is made that someone swears, but no words are mentioned. The word “bastard” is used regarding illegitimate children.

Violence: A royal procession is attacked by savage men with swords and arrows. Some of the people die. Groups of people suffer the effects of war. A village is burned in retaliation for an attack. A character’s throat is slit. A knife is used in an effort to remove something from someone’s body. Evil Animagi kill their own kind as sacrifices.

Sexual Content: Humberto kisses Elisa.

Adult Themes: The story includes arranged marriages, mothers dying in childbirth, mention of “bastard children”, a mistress, kidnapping/captured by the enemy, and war.

Synopsis

Princess Elisa has been kept fairly isolated most of her life. Particular attention was placed on her education. Loneliness has been her companion. Comfort comes from food. Now that she has reached the age of sixteen, her father has arranged for her to marry. She is to wed Alejandro, King of another country in the kingdom. She worries over her perceived lack of desirable qualities. What will Alejandro think of her? In addition, she has been gifted with something called a “Godstone” which is a rare occurrence. It has been told she was chosen for a great purpose. As she journeys to her new home, she discovers that all her learning comes in handy as she must use her knowledge and abilities to defend herself and others against the evil intentions of their enemies.

Admittedly, I didn’t think I was going to like this book in the beginning. The start was a little slow, and I wasn’t sure the heroine of the story was admirable enough to follow. I was wrong! Once she came face to face with life or death circumstances I was hooked. In fact, Elisa came to realize that she had choices. She considers her advantages and disadvantages and decides how to use theme to attain her goals. She has a belief in God and trusts in the truths she was taught. I liked this quote, “Pray through your doubts.” Elisa is a strong heroine, admirable too! This is the first book in a trilogy. I would recommend this book for ages fourteen and up.