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A Court This Cruel and Lovely

Stacia Stark

422 Pages
2024

A Court This Cruel and Lovely

Random House

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A Court This Cruel and Lovely - Summary

In a world where power is stripped from humans at birth by gods who promise protection from the dangerous fae, one woman discovers she possesses forbidden abilities that mark her as "corrupt." Forced to abandon her beloved village life, she forms an unlikely alliance with a mysterious mercenary who haunts her dreams. Together, they embark on a perilous journey where she must master her dark powers while uncovering devastating secrets that could reshape their entire kingdom.

Key Themes

1

Power and Sacrifice

At its core, the story explores the devastating choice between conformity and authenticity. The protagonist's struggle with her forbidden power represents a broader commentary on societal oppression and the price of being different. Her journey from hiding her abilities to embracing them mirrors the universal experience of self-acceptance in the face of persecution.

2

Trust and Deception

The complicated relationship between the protagonist and the mercenary highlights the delicate nature of trust in a world built on lies. Their alliance, born of necessity but complicated by attraction and suspicion, demonstrates how personal connections can both heal and harm us. The mercenary's hidden agenda adds layers of complexity to their dynamic.

3

Divine Control and Human Agency

The gods' practice of harvesting human power raises questions about free will and divine authority. The system of control, maintained through fear of the fae and execution of the "corrupt," reflects on how power structures maintain dominance through manufactured threats and systematic oppression.

FAQ's

While the book contains romantic elements and fantasy themes common in YA literature, its darker themes and complex political intrigue suggest it's best suited for mature young adult and adult readers.

As the first book in the Kingdom of Lies series, readers should expect some plot threads to remain unresolved to set up future installments, though major initial conflicts reach satisfying conclusions.

No prior fantasy reading experience is necessary. While fans of authors like Raven Kennedy will find familiar elements, the world-building and magic system are unique and thoroughly explained for new readers.

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