3.5 stars. I really liked the Filipino inspiration and the characters. I thought the beginning set up this intense situation that just made you want to know more. But after that I felt the story fell a little flat. Once MJ gets to Biringan, it felt like this one month that she had until the coronation lasted forever. Nothing much happened except that she fell for the guy who started out being mean to her and spent all his time prior to being with her with her worse enemy. There was no explanation as to why he was in a different court even though his father served the Sirena.
I did like the murder mystery subplot. Although the big reveal was a little predictable and a little anti-climatic. Overall, though, I enjoyed the story. It was a light and easy read. I thought the ending was a great setup for the next book and makes you want to continue the story.
***I would like to thank BookishFirst and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions expressed within are my own***
I did like the murder mystery subplot. Although the big reveal was a little predictable and a little anti-climatic. Overall, though, I enjoyed the story. It was a light and easy read. I thought the ending was a great setup for the next book and makes you want to continue the story.
***I would like to thank BookishFirst and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions expressed within are my own***