Update: after giving this read a second chance,  I will continue with this series to see how Suri develops Priya and Malini and the roles they will play in the fight for independence of their people and empire.

The premise for this tale is familiar: a divided empire with a leader bent on erasing another sect that could challenge his, the heroes that will seek to see him defeated; one of royal blood, the other of ancestry that is now reviled. But what made it interesting, is the presence of an unknown affliction that is sweeping the lands and adherents of a faith steeped in magic who seek a return to their old ways of worship and existence; by any means necessary.

What was lacking was fiery and witty dialogue; the interactions all felt muffled, lackluster, and the writing fell flat for me and I could not get behind or invested in the arcs of any of the main characters; neither did I buy the 'chemistry' or attraction that was attempted between our 'heroines'.

There are however elements of this story that I appreciated: the use of an unknown flora as the cause of this disease, the queer representation, the power dynamics that are at play, political maneuverings to remove a despotic and cruel ruler, the mysterious beings that once had walked the world, and the inevitable betrayal that is most decidedly coming.

I just wish the writing style was as engaging and immersive as the plotlines.