About the Book:
Title: Light the Shadows
Author: Kamea Bella
Publisher: Bowker
Release Date: August 30, 2023
Pages: 353
Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance
Synopsis:
Some secrets refuse to stay buried…
When Lunara receives an Imperial summons to participate in a bridal selection, the consequences could be deadly. Forced into a cut-throat court with her newly found friends, Lunara must guard her secret identity closely or risk being unmasked. She does all she can to discourage the attention of the seven handsome princes during the tournament. Then a letter from home changes everything, and she must win the heart of Prince Artin or Prince Kato. As her enemies close in, Lunara is forced to do one thing she swore she’d never trust someone with the truth. Romance blossoms and tension builds, but their courtship puts her in the cross-hairs of her mother’s murderer. Will history repeat itself? Can she survive the treachery and betrayal of court-life to win the freedom she desperately seeks?
Review:
*I received an e-arc from the author for review. All thoughts are my own*
I am so excited that I came across Light the Shadows and author Kamea Bella! I am now a fan, and I am excited to read more from this author. I really enjoyed this standalone set in the Kingdom of Caspirra. There was descriptive world building, and I could vividly picture all of the different provinces in the kingdom, the food, and the beautiful clothing. If you like books with strong female friendships, found family, romance, court intrigue, mystery, positive mental health representation, and POC representation, I think this one is for you!
Lunara grew up with her adoptive family after her mother was tragically murdered when she was a child. Her family helped her to keep her secret identity hidden and raised her as their own. When Lunara comes of age, she receives an Imperial summons to participate in the bridal selection. Lunara is forced into court with her newly found friends where she must guard her secret identity or risk being unmasked. She does everything that she can to discourage the seven handsome princes that are looking for brides throughout the tournament. Then a letter arrives from home that changes everything, and she must try and win the heart of a Prince. As a romance begins to blossom with one of the princes, she finds herself in the crosshairs of her mother’s murderer. Lunara may have to do the one thing she always vowed she wouldn’t do, and trust someone with the truth in order to win the freedom she desperately seeks.
Lunara is a very likeable FMC who is smart, brave, and knows how to banter! I really enjoyed the friendships she makes with the other ladies at court and with the princes.
Although this story has a satisfactory ending, I hope that Kamea decides to write more in this world as I feel that there is so much more to explore. I definitely recommend!
ashleighsbookshelf.com 