This was a great read. It reminded me of Game of Thrones, but without the degradation of women, and random descriptions of their anatomy (like pert boobs bouncing while she is just walking in a stable smh).

The main characters are women who understand what it means to lead no matter how difficult and heartbreaking it may be. I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, East versus West, the superstitions, and the plotting in the shadows of crowns and countries.

There is a monarchy at stake. One that needs an heir to save its people. As well as a secret society of warrior women with magic and serious fighting skills.

Also there BE DRAGONS! Two kinds. Those of chaos and those who fight beside humanity.

The best part for me though, was how everyone even those who were villains were given an intricate backstory, which fully explained what brought them to where they were. 

There is RICH character development and even an unexpected love story that does not overwhelm but adds to the tapestry of the heart driven emotions, which guided the story forward.
The strength of this story and for this author is the power of her story building and story telling. To be honest, this is one of those books where you become confused as to why you are not in the story, and you wonder what is this real life thing people keep trying to pull you back into.

It is a thick one, so put aside the time to dig into it.

Currently recommending this one to my friends who love fantasy reads, especially those with DRAGONS!!!