Star-crossed lovers are on opposing sides of an impending war. Annika, the princess of Kadier, believes in the love of fairy tales but knows it's not in her future since her father demanded she marry to secure a political alliance. Not too far from their kingdom, there is a growing army of those who believe Kadier rightfully belonged to their ancestors, and they plan to reclaim it. When stoic, hardened soldier Lennox is given the opportunity to prove himself, he makes a plan to sneak into the kingdom. Neither Annika nor Lennox is prepared for the ways their lives and those of everyone around them will forever be changed upon their meeting. They start as enemies, but their hearts have other ideas, and soon their love is impossible to ignore. This stand-alone fantasy romance shifts between the two protagonists' points of view, giving readers access to the interior lives of both. Patience is required, as the tale is slow to start; it finds its footing eventually, but readers may find it to be too little, too late. Much of the narrative feels bloated with story yet hollow in characterization and emotional depth. Even moments meant to evoke big emotions, like important deaths or grand romantic gestures, wind up falling flat since there's not enough substance to give them weight. Characters are assumed White. What should feel epic and romantic winds up dull and uninspired. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 6 Up--Known for her popular YA romance series "The Selection," Cass's latest romantic fantasy introduces readers to an excellent cast of characters living in a world with kingdoms and family secrets. Annika, a princess who has lived a comfortable life, and whose once loving father has now grown cold, is being forced into an arranged marriage to solidify the kingdom's security. Meanwhile, Lennox, a soldier from an opposing kingdom, has lived with the bare minimum and has devoted himself to the Dahrainian Army. He believes that love is only a distraction and lives to restore the rightful power of the throne to his people. Once these two cross paths, a love ignites that set events into motion that will change their lives forever. The large cast of characters is easy to love or hate, but there aren't so many that it becomes confusing. Each one has a special role to play in this fairy tale. Cass's storytelling is flawless as she presents the star-crossed lovers' attempts to stay true to their own kingdoms. It's an enchanting tale that readers will enjoy watching unfold. The skin colors of the main characters are not mentioned; there's one supporting character who has a scar across his face. VERDICT All school and public libraries should add this to their collection, and the devoted fans of Cass will not be disappointed.--Lacey Webster

When her austere father and placating brother demand that 18-year-old Princess Annika Vedette of Kadier marry her cloying cousin Nickolas for political gain, Annika accepts to appease them, despite her reservations. But when she is kidnapped by Lennox, a ruthless mercenary from the exiled Dahrainian clan, Annika learns worrying truths about her homeland and her mother's disappearance three years before. Meanwhile Lennox, believing that Kadier's throne rightfully belongs to the Dahrainians, intends to take it back. The two teens grow closer when a momentous event forces them to rely on each other or risk being killed, and romantic feelings begin to blossom. While they struggle to survive and war looms on the horizon, Lennox finds himself torn between lifelong loyalties and newfound love. Cass (the Selection series) employs thinly developed alternating perspectives rendered in broad expository strokes to explore themes of palace intrigue, buried histories, and toxic familial dynamics. Though pacing is occasionally laborious, a tightly wound plot channels Romeo and Juliet with an enemies-to-lovers slant and notes of female empowerment. Ages 13--up. Agent: Elana Roth Parker, Laura Dail Literary. (Nov.)