Title: Rule (Rule #1)
Author: Ellen Goodlett
Rating: ★★★½

ARC provided by the publisher. 

I’ve seen this book being hailed as Three Dark Crowns meets Pretty Little Liars, and now that I’ve finished reading it I can absolutely agree with that description. While it may not be all that unique, Rule had an interesting premise and a story full of political intrigue, secrets, and lies. 

Rule begins when three very different girls are brought to the capital and learn they are the bastard daughters of a dying king. All three girls are keeping secrets, and it soon becomes clear that someone else in the palace knows of their dark deeds. These new half-sisters not only have to determine who is blackmailing them, but they are also in competition with one another for the throne.

Zofi – Lives with a band of Travelers, who never stay in one place for long. She’s brash, confident, and skilled in the Blood Arts. At the beginning of the book I wasn’t too keen on her character, but she grew on me as the story continued. 

Akeylah – Raised in the Eastern Reaches by an abusive father, she’s quiet and a bit naive. I enjoyed reading her chapters although I do think she’s a little too trustworthy of other people, which I think is going to get her in trouble later on.

Florencia – I loved Ren the best out of all the sisters. She grew up as a lady’s maid in the palace, and so was already familiar with the inner court workings and has a small advantage on the other girls. She was smart, calculating, and determined. 

The story moves fairly quickly and I had no problem staying entertained by all the secrets and schemes. I loved how the story kept me guessing throughout, and even by the end we’re left with unanswered questions and plenty of speculation. And that cliffhanger! If I wasn’t already intrigued enough to pick up the next book, that definitely did me in. Rule is a promising start to a series sure to be filled to the brim with secrets, political intrigue, and twists.