Kestrel is the General’s daughter. That means that her life is a series of expectations – he would love nothing more than for her to follow him into the Valorian army. Kestrel has a unique talent for strategy that could lead to a successful career. Or, she could marry a fellow Valorian and bear handsome babies.

But Kestrel doesn’t want any of that. Instead, she enjoys nothing more than playing her beloved pinao, a forbidden hobby that makes her odd and eccentric in the eyes of society. And her reputation couldn’t be more strained, until she finds herself at the Herrani slave market. Impulsively she purchases Arin, a handsome slave who can supposedly sing and is a master blacksmith.

So begins the sexually tense, forbidden relationship between Kestrel and Arin. She knows that he has more in his background than he lets on, and isn’t surprised to discover that before the war, Arin was a member of the Herrani aristocracy.

What Kestrel doesn’t know is that Arin is a spy for the Herrani, who are planning on overthrowing the Valorian usurpers. Will she admit her feelings before the inevitable attack? And are Arin’s feelings real, or just a clever trick by a clever spy?

This expertly written, deliciously addictive and suspenseful romance is a must-read! Rutkoski is an extremely talented writer, and readers will love following her into this forbidden world of romantic intrigue. Spys, forbidden love and class strife make for a fantastic book! I can’t wait to read the next one 🙂 I’m already on the waiting list at the library!

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