*This review contains some spoilers*
Turn-of-the-century Romania, dark family history, dashing gentleman,
oh my! Society darlings Dacia Vreeholt and Louisa Neulander suddenly find
themselves whisked away from New York City to Romania, promptly upon turning 17. The
pair of cousins have been given no information about their lengthy trip
besides the tight-lipped silence from Aunt Kate, their cold chaperone.
Shrouded in mystery, the girls can't help but conjure up ideas of
dashing, dark-lashed gentleman, European balls, and romantic carriage rides through the gorgeous streets of Bucharest. However, when their
arrival is less than welcoming, Dacia and Louisa fear that their happy futures have all but disappeared. Their
grandmother, Lady Ioana, informs them of a nefarious plot that involves
treason against the crown, murder, and forced marriages. Without being given a choice in the matter, the cousins are
swept into their families plan, all while discovering the dark,
terrifying legacy that their ancestors have dropped into their laps. It's clear that monsters don't just live in fairy tales.
Dacia,
usually strong and rebellious, grows terrified and sullen after learning
her new destiny. While LouLou, normally reserved and soft-spoken, seems to
find a new strength in her hidden gift. LouLou decides to use her
family's plan against them to save the
Romanian crown. Alongside two dashing gentlemen, both girls are led down a journey of self-discovery in order to gain control of their own destinies.
