Loosely based on the fairy tale “The Goose Girl”, Crystal Smith’s debut novel is a rich story that will satisfy any fantasy reader.This world is truly incredible. She must put her family and the crown ahead of all her desires. Along the way she falls in love with a man forbidden to her, as she is already promised to someone else. Led by a Harbinger, a terrifying ghost, who leads her along with clues, Aurelia tries to understand and use her magic to help unlock the secrets of both cities. Princess Aurelia can feel the magic coursing through her veins and to survive a coup for her throne she must escape to the neighbouring city of Achleva and pose as a commoner until she can figure out who is friend or foe. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.Prepare to enter a beautiful, harsh world where magic is forbidden and to practice the ancient ways means certain death.

My thanks to NetGalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group, and Crystal Smith for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

But there's something deeply amiss in her new home, too, and soon she finds herself swept into a deadly new mystery with a secretive prince, the ghost of an ancient queen, and a poison vine called Bloodleaf.Īurelia is entangled in a centuries-long game of love, power, and war, and if she can't break free before the Tribunal makes its last move, she may lose far more than her crown. When a devastating assassination attempt reveals her magical abilities, Aurelia is forced to flee her country with nothing but her life.Īlone and adrift in an enemy kingdom, Aurelia plans her revenge against the Tribunal, desperate to bring down the dark organization that has wrought terror upon her people for hundreds of years. Surrounded by spirits and burdened with forbidden magic, she lives in constant fear of discovery by the witch-hunting Tribunal and their bloodthirsty mobs. “BLOODLEAF feels like a classic in the making.” – Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of EverlessĪ roar of a dark and luscious epic fantasy that’s layered with heady romance, bloodthirsty magic, and ghostly intrigue-an absolutely wicked delight.Īurelia is a princess, but they call her a witch. “Enchanting, visceral, and twisty”- New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess, Laura Sebastian

Bloodleaf by crystal smith