“Inspired by Korean history and folklore, this fantasy mixes lyrical writing and lush worldbuilding with shamanism, royal intrigue, murder, and slow-burn romance. It’s a delightful tale of a kitchen maid catching the attention of a grumpy prince and a charming nobleman — and a critique of deforestation, colonialism, social injustice, and violence in its portrayal of a kingdom on the cusp of political and cultural change. Sequel now, please!” said Alyssa Raymond of Copper Dog Books in Beverly, Massachusetts.
