I enjoyed this world of musical magic. The different types of mages who held different powers and could sing different songs to hurt or heal at will. Cadence is the principal singer, the most powerful of the corporeal mages. She is an orphan and is easily intimidated since the punishment for not performing is to have your vocal cords cut and to be moved to the Expelled settlement.

The current queen rules by fear and threats. But seems to think she is everyones savior since the nobles weren’t treating the commoners that well before her. It seems like out of the frying pan into the fire.There is also a different class system under this queen which is interesting. She has stripped the power from nobles and given commoners more power.

Before this new queen was a class system we are more familiar with and under that system Remi, a young viscountess visited the palace and became friends with Cadence. 

Some magical incidents occur to thrust these two back into eachothers lives as young adults, unsure of each other’s preferences but hopeful, after they come to terms with where they ended up. Can they save their land from this terrorful queen and her head justicar who is just awful? Is there any hope?

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you @Netgalley and @FarrarStrausGiroux for the arc copy for my voluntary and honest review.
TW: animal abuse, torture