Where Traitors Fall by Kate Callaghan

Where Traitors Fall by Kate Callaghan

Published: September 22th 2021 by Independent Book Publishers Association
Source: NetGalley
Format: eBook
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary:

The Realm isn’t for the faint of heart.

Many moons have passed since Klara Lucifer fought to claim the throne of the Dark Forest of Malum.

The new treaty between the Fae Lands of Kalos and Malum has eased border restrictions, and a tense peace is holding between the two lands. However, when rumours of dark creatures going missing begin to reach Klara, the young queen worries that the concord is even more fragile than it appears. Could the Realms be hovering on the brink of war?

When the Fae Queen, Aemella of Kalos, invites Klara to a Kalion ball to honour their lasting peace and treaty, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out what is lurking beneath Kalos’ perfect surface – but it’s not long before old enemies and Malum’s dark history return to haunt Klara in a way she never could have expected. She soon will learn that the enemy of her enemy is not to be trusted.

A lavish evening hiding deadly secrets.

The rise of those fallen.

An unexpected ally.

Can Klara do what she must to save herself and those she loves… or will she end up imprisoned in a cage of her own making?

The sweetest fruit is easily poisoned.

Review:

Pacing 3/5

Romance 4/5

Characters 4/5

Action 3.5/5

Have you ever watched an anime where the whole show is built around this couple getting together, dancing around each other; and when finally the two come together and admit their feelings it just.... ENDS. Aren't you disappointed? Don't you ever wish you could see more of them dating? You just want the juicy details!

Well, good for you in that this book provides you that sense of satisfaction. The first couple chapters of the book goes over the nitty gritty details of how Klara is as the Queen of Malum. You get to see her make treaties, network, and of course play the big sister role for her ward, Lottie. While the book was a slow build up to the conflict of the story that occurred about half-way in, it was a great time feeling Klara's exhaustion and desperateness at trying to keep peace. Kate Callaghan wrote beautiful, authentic characters who were not afraid to admit to their weaknesses. Klara is trying her best to be a good, strong, and fair leader but trouble keeps coming her way. She is frustrated. So frustrated. At the world. Her parents. She's frustrated at how the world is run and how people can trick themselves into believing they are in the right when she is faced with something that is clearly wrong. And she's always being placed in the spot to make the hard decisions, despite how fair it is. But she doesn't complain. She accepts her present and always tries her best.

The story did not just focus on Klara too. It dove into the support characters' own troubles and kept you wanting to jump around to see what happens next with one character. The love story was not in the main spotlight the whole time, but it was sprinkled in where it was needed and had some spice to it. If fantasy is something you want, this book HAS IT. So many different creatures trying to live together and the lore behind each was fascinating to read. 

The only complaint I had was that the detailing did drag on a bit too much in some parts, and I wanted to jump straight to the emotions and the Why behind people's actions sooner - but I can't complain when a book keeps me so entertained that I have to keep flipping to the next page.

Warm regards,

Diana Banana