Shadowscent/The Darkest Bloom (Shadowscent #1)
by P. M. Freestone
What is it about:
Across the Aramtesh Empire, scent is everything. Prayers only reach heaven on sacred incense, and perfumes are prized status symbols. 17-year-old Rakel has an uncanny ability with fragrances, but her skills aren't enough to buy her dying father more time.
Ash bears the tattoos of an imperial bodyguard. When his prince, Nisai, insists on a diplomatic mission to an outer province, Ash is duty-bound to join the caravan. It's a nightmare protecting Nisai on the road. But it's even harder for Ash to conceal a secret that could see him exiled or executed.
Rakel and Ash have nothing in common until smoke draws them to a plantation of the Empire's rarest flower. Nisai's been poisoned, flames devour the priceless blooms, and the pair have "suspect" clinging to them like a bad stench. Their futures depend on them working together to decipher clues, defy dangers and defeat their own demons in a race to source an antidote . . . before the imperial army hunts them down.
What did I think of it:
This is a really enjoyable Fantasy read.
I liked how it slowly builds towards the moment Rakel and Ash get in trouble. In alternating viewpoint chapters you get to know both of them, their motives, dreams, hopes. So once the two of them have to work together you know just how they both ended up in this situation and how important it is for both of them to survive and to save the prince.
I loved seeing both of them work together and to see how both have very different approaches to problems they encounter. Their quest leads them on a journey through the different provinces of the country, and I enjoyed discovering the dangers and beauty of each. The way the story is written it felt like one big exciting adventure, I never did get a feel of suspense or dread, or even great urgency. It would make a great Fantasy adventure movie in my opinion.
All in all I had a great time with this book, and I'm definitely keeping an eye out for the sequel.
Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable YA Fantasy Read.
buy from bookdepository
No comments:
Post a Comment