Title: Rule

Author: Ellen Goodlett

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 11, 2018

Links: Goodreads | Amazon* | Book Depository*

Rating: 5 Stars!

Synopsis: Three girls with three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.

The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos.

Or rather, three unexpected options.

Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she’s already gone.

Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.

Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady’s maid and scheming her way out of the servants’ chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she’s done.

When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: they are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny… to rule.

Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in this sensational and striking fantasy debut.

Review: Rule is an awesome new YA fantasy story pitched as Three Dark Crowns meets Pretty Little Liars with a smidge of King Lear. And if you know me AT ALL you know this is right up my alley. Three Dark Crowns is one of my favorite new YA series. I watched and loved Pretty Little Liars (up until the last few seasons, sorry). And just earlier this year I read a retelling of King Lear, The Queens of Innis Lear, and it was amazing! So, anyhow, I really enjoyed Rule.

Our main characters are three girls who find out that not only are they sisters, but their familial link is their father, the king, who is dying and needs an heir to the throne. The girls couldn’t be more different, but I just love each of them so much. I was actually expecting to have a favorite like I did with Three Dark Crowns, but I can’t choose. (I’m fully #teamarsinoe btw.) Each of the sisters have their own struggles and strengths and I loved seeing how they worked to figure out who is sending them messages.

Because, oh yeah. This YA fantasy does something that I don’t really see in fantasy much: mystery, suspense! The entire story has you, along with the main characters, trying to figure out who knows their deepest, darkest secrets and is trying to get rid of them. I thought I knew. I was sure I had it figured out and then, TWIST. So, so good!

I just really adored this book and I’m dying for book 2!

Thank you so much to TheNovl for sending me a review copy!

 

-Elizabeth

Bookish Connoisseur

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