Thanks to the author, Stefanie Chu, and Library Things for the opportunity to join in Mirari's adventure!

Firstly, I have not read Knights of the Alliance nor other novels by this author, so I am a happy camper reading this prequel. It's about Mirari who has lost a good friend and then found a long-lost friend who turned out to be a rebel instead. The complex situation here transcends to Knights of the Alliance.

The overall story was plotted nicely with lots of action and definitely engaging. It was easy to read and even though there were many characters, it wasn't as confusing. The author sure knows how to build the plots with proper intro of the characters that I can imagine it all. Mirari did remind me of Mulan, or more of Ciri from The Witcher.

It has piqued my interest to know what happens in book 1 of The Alliance LOL! I do believe this would be good in movie form too, similar to the Grishaverse of Leigh Bardugo. I just love the creativity and fantasy of this new world! I understand that The Alliance series is a trilogy so if you enjoy such adventurous journey similarly to the above mentioned then you should give this a try. ( )

Thank you LibraryThing and Stefanie Chu for the giveaway!

This was a quick read, as a prequel to the Knights of the Alliance series, providing lots of insight and action to get you warmed up for what promises to be an incredibly action-packed series. It seems no one is safe from death, as a war rages on between the Alliance and the rebels.

When Mirari hears of her childhood companion, a man who was like a brother to her, has gone rogue and seems to be doing things he never would have done before, she knows she has to try and save him. She knows she has to find him and make him see sense.

But how many lives will be lost to try and stop him? Will the Alliance survive the war that rages on?

Stefanie Chu is a talented writer who creates whole worlds with her skill. I look forward to enjoying more of her work and be transported back into the world where something must be done to find peace among the chaos. ( )

This was an eARC from LibraryThing - thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this story!

This is a strong prequel that really sets the scene for the rest of the series, which I am definitely now intrigued to read. The prequel gives all the background that one would presumably need (or at least benefit from) going into the book; introducing the reader to the characters, politics and underlying plot.

This seems like a very promising fantasy adventure series. It was a little fast paced after the first few chapters, but given that it is a prequel and something of a novella, that perhaps makes sense. Most of the book revolves around a battle, and it was certainly exciting to read, and left me wanting to know what happens next - so it did it’s job! ( )