[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Honora Holtzfall is considered the “Holtzfall Heiress,” but that’s not really true. It was her mother who was the true Heiress. But now she’s dead, and it’s time to choose a new heiress – and Nora is just one of the contenders in the Veritaz. The imortal Huldrekall will determine which candidate is most worthy of the fortune – and magic – at stake.
Lotte is the surprise contender – the Holtzfall cousin no one knew existed. The one with the highly prized magical gift of mindreading. Raised as a “cursed” orphan by cruel caretakers. And perhaps hunted by her biological family to keep her from the Veritaz.
While this generation of Holtzfalls – five cousins in all – take their turn at the Veritaz, Nora can’t help dig into her mother’s death and a missing knight, her mother’s protector. But Nora’s quest for answers begins to unravel everything.
Review
This description barely scratches the surface of what is going on in this book. There’s a fairy tale element to the world building – the huntsman ancester of the Holtzfalls who created the world they now live in, the monsters in the woods, villains who wear masks like woodland creatures and beasts. There’s a fascinating family – magical, rich, ruthless, full of secrets. And there’s a land on the brink of rebellion.
And I loved every bit of it.
This was incredible! I couldn’t get enough of it. For the entire last quarter I watched the percent read creep up, wondering if there was any way this story would wrap up by the end of the book. And while we got to a stopping point, this story is not finished by far! According to Goodreads this is the first in a trilogy.
The author did not disappoint with the twists and reveals and new questions all the way to the last page. And I am not at all ready to be done with these characters and this world. I can’t wait to read more! This is my top book of 2025 so far. This will be the book I will shout about for months to come – the book I will pat fondly every time I see it in the bookstore. I bought my own copy immediately after finishing the ARC, and I will absolutely be reading it again soon. I can’t recommend this one highly enough. (Some language)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++
♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best