Review Detail

THIS is how you do feminine rage!

Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas is a YA fantasy novel that mixes mythology and feminism.
When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire. In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives. When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept. Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.

Oh. My. Gosh. THIS BOOK! I absolutely LOVED it. This book is everything you want. Feminine rage. Emotional conflict. Unique mythology. Awesome magic. Just EVERYTHING about this book makes me want to scream and shove it into anyone's empty hands. It just is *chef's kiss*

One thing I did wish Valldeperas would have delved deeper on, is her magic system. In that there was plenty of worldbuilding to support it, but there was no emotional connection to any of it. It felt like most of the novel was telling instead of showing.

Regardless, I will gladly be recommending this book to anyone and everyone that will be willing to listen.