This was a fun YA read with a world caught in darkness and a murderous queen who is trying to keep the darkness no matter what the consequences and a girl who just might have the power to stop her.
Some of it is a little simple but overall I found it charming. ( )

I listened to this audiobook courtesy of Netgalley. I quite enjoyed it. It was a nice break when you need a light hearted story to pass the time away. Now some may argue my “lighthearted” story. This is about the sources of light and darkness, good and evil. And It is very literal. The world is dark. No sun, just night. The queen of the night has been “good” to her people or so they think. But one child achieving womanhood will change all that. This child is the last Sun child. And the only magic being that can truly bring the sun to the dark evil queen’s land. So much of this book is traveling, or questing to get from one land to another. They have to get out of the dark lands, and into the North where Siria can fully develop her power, find her true family, and help defeat the evil queen Iyzabel. Of course there is a love interest. It wouldn’t be a YA book without it. And there is fear of doing the right thing, and the awkwardness of “shining you light” to be who you truly are and not just who your parents want you to be. I believe this is a standalone and I am happy with it. It doesn’t need a sequel, and I’m not sure I would read one if there was. The story did what it was meant to do, bring light to the darkness. ( )

Strong world building meets a heroine with heart and more in an exciting adventure with an intruiguing twist.

Siria Nightingale has grown up with everything a girl could wish for: wealth, friends, and plenty of free space. She's a princess in her parent's estate, but one that loves to run around with the gardner and his son. She's wild and free, and her parents don't approve. So, when she finally heads off to school and four years later has the chance to be chosen to stand with the royals surrounding the Queen, she'll do what she can to make her parents proud. But as she stands on the dias, several things become clear. Her red hair will never fit in with the black of everyone else, others will never see her as someone who fits in, and her fear of darkness in a world of black carries a dreadful meaning she's not ready to face. Siria's worst nightmare is about to come true—she is the monster the Queen and her parents fear most.

I was looking forward to reading this one, and it is a tale to get lost in. The world in this book is vivid and bold, making it hard not to sink into it. While the blurb makes it clear that darkness reigns and an evil queen will have more than a few thrills throughout the plot, I was surprised (and thrilled) when mages, nymphs, dwarves and more mystical creatures stomped onto the stage. Especially when they blend right into the tale with as much finesse as they did here. These characters alone made this a book with reading, although Siria is an intriguing character in many ways herself.

Siria fits the role of a special snowflake in many ways, and this is something I'm not usually a huge fan of. She has secret, overwhelming strong powers and must learn to wield said powers from nothing. And lets not forget the chosen savior of their world and super strong heroine who can defeat anyone with a wink (if she gets those powers to go work). But her ample rough edges and corners...and a lack of arrogance...keep the cliche aspects from hitting too hard. Plus, she's got plenty to learn and enough character arc as she's thrown into a world she's hated all of her life. I just would have liked to get to know her a little better before her life flipped upside down.

What really makes this book (besides the world) is the side characters. They are rich and bold and simply a treat to accompany. These are what makes Siria an interesting character. Add the darkness to light aspect and an evil witch Queen who is determined to hold on to her power no matter what, and it's a read to cuddle up with and enjoy.

I received an ARC and enjoyed this adventure quite a bit. ( )

Living in a kingdom of darkness (ruled by an evil queen, of course), Siria Nightingale grew up in awe of tales of the Light. On her sixteenth birthday, she discovers that she just might hold the power to restore her home to its true, light-filled state—and luckily, she has her childhood mentor and best friend to help her see it all accomplished.

As Siria then embarks on a dangerous, but necessary journey, Hanna C. Howard imbues her story with creative magic and plenty of action, keeping it moving at a relatively fast pace. While I do not think I completely wrapped my head around the magic of Siria’s world, I was fascinated to see it incorporated throughout the battle between light and dark (which surprised me with its allegorical commentary on mental health). I look forward to reading more from Howard in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )