There's just something about Adrienne Young's books-- magic, adventure, seduction! Her world building is very simple but very effective. Young is able to build a fantasy world that still feels grounded and real. Not to mention the semi-historical setting that features amazing fashion. There's also an interesting conversation about femininity and strength and how you present your gender identity. If you're a fan of a pale, dark-haired, quiet, broody, scarred, boy (c'mon, you know who you are!), read this novel. I would recommend Young's books to fans of Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Leigh Bardugo.

 

Publisher's description:

When a letter from her uncle Henrik arrives on Bryn Roth's eighteenth birthday, summoning her back to Bastian, Bryn is eager to prove herself and finally take her place in her long-lost family. Henrik has plans for Bryn, but she must win everyone’s trust if she wants to hold any power in the delicate architecture of the family. It doesn’t take long for her to see that the Roths are entangled in shadows. Despite their growing influence in upscale Bastian, their hands are still in the kind of dirty business that got Bryn’s parents killed years ago. With a forbidden romance to contend with and dangerous work ahead, the cost of being accepted into the Roths may be more than Bryn can pay