Review | Rule

Title: Rule
Author: Ellen Goodlett
Publisher Info / Release: Little Brown Books for Young Readers / September 11, 2018
Source: ARC from The NOVL
Rating: 4.5 / 5 *’s
Synopsis:
Three girls. 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 the first book of this sensational and striking fantasy duology.

Thank you to The NOVL for sending me this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review!

This book is full of mystery, secrets and magic. Rule was such a great read and it can only get better from here!

We follow three girls: Zofi, Ren and Akeylah, who are all summoned to the main city of Kolonya from three different parts of the realm. Each harbors a secret – secrets that could unfortunately send all of them to the dungeon for treason. However, they instead find out that they are the bastard daughters of King Andros and that one of them will soon wear the crown.

But…someone knows their secrets and the three of them begin receiving threats.

There is so much to learn about this world that Ellen has created, from the blood tithes that can wield to give them more power to the multiple wars that plague this nation. I imagine we will get more of this in the second book but the plot was beautifully done. I really enjoyed all of the past relationships of the girls and the new ones they forged during their time at court.

The book keeps you guessing and plotting along with the characters. There are so many twists and turns that you truly are wondering what is about to happen because there are so many different things that could happen. I’m honestly cheering for all three girls because I think they would be great rulers in their own way but I think my favorites are Zofi and Ren.

As you near the end of the book, I watched as the pages were dwindling yet two very big things happen that leaves you wanting more. There is a cliffhanger and while it makes me desperately want the second book, it does make me want to go back and see if there was something that I missed or a big clue that was obvious.

I highly recommend this book to any fantasy lovers, watching women kick ass and if you enjoy competition type books such as Three Dark Crowns.

Preorder Links:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Book Depository
• Books a Million
• Check out your local stores!