My Book Review of United Vidden by Fern Brady

DESCRIPTION: 

Shattered by her father’s decision to deny her the throne as the first female heir of Dravidia, Princess Verena makes the worst mistake of her life: She runs away. Her departure, days before her wedding to the heir of the Principality of Aulden, throws her nation into war. In a desperate bid to reverse the consequences of her choice, the princess returns to planet Jorn, anxious to prove herself worthy to rule. But it is too late. The princess finds her kingdom conquered by Prince Amiel ra Aulden. Now, Verena must earn back her birthright as well as the trust of her people.

MY REVIEW:

The description of the book barely covers what you’ll find between the pages.  The world-building is excellent and Jorn’s society is a bit steampunky as it’s a mix of tech and old-world customs. 

I really felt for Verena’s plight at being forced to marry a man that used to be her bestfriend, but is now someone she no longer trusts and fears may do her harm.  But her decision to run away caused total chaos in her kingdom.  After her return to Jorn, she uncovers some answers to why Amiel may have changed. 

As for Amiel, I also felt for him as he’s being manipulated by forces darker than he or his family understood.  There is a lot of intrigue and underhanded dealings going on.  Even a quest to uncover the truth of the secret faction trying to take over Jorn and the surrounding worlds. 

I really liked the story and found myself, a few times, flipping the pages faster and faster.  What threw me out of the tale, though, were several incidences of a missing letter in front of a word and some inconsistences.  Something happened in one paragraph and then happened again a few paragraphs later.  Made me have to go back and reread to make sure I had read it right the first time.

I also didn’t like the fact this is a first in a series, but there is no mention of that on the cover or on Amazon.  I thought it was a standalone.  Now, I have to wait for book two to tie up all the loose ends. 

If you love space opera’s, epic fantasy, with a mixture of friends/enemies to lovers, I recommend this book.  I give it 4 stars.