Synopsis:
In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned. Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls make their way to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, and while it didn’t answer the oh so many questions raised along the way, it was a great story about a journey and the growth of two young adult girls who didn’t realize how sheltered they were. This book was very much the slow trudge and yet I felt that there was enough action and back and forth from our two main protagonists that I wondered exactly where they might end up. I quite like the world this is set in; I feel like it was well developed and had a great proper fairy tale/Grimm/gothic atmosphere for the tale.

I did very much enjoy this book, and would recommend it based on that, however, the complexity of story/trigger warnings increase throughout the other two books, so bare that in mind if you decide to read this YA novel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯