I can't help but love this story. This very much reminds me of the Holy Wars and trying to own the Holy Land (or the Zafira). The story itself starts off with her ruling a country that admires her for her war experience; however, can't help but notice that she is an awful ruler. She downright sucks. What made me confused at first since she had so much confidence in the ending of the first book about this very topic and now she almost has no confidence at all. I do understand that she is so young, seventeen to be exact, but she is incredibly smart and observant (also she has that hunky Hector by her side counseling her) which should make up for her inexperience in this matter. Also isn't she an expert on wars throughout history? That should count for something.

On her birthday she strolls through her city meeting with the people as they all celebrate her. Out of the blue, her Godstone turns to ice in her stomach and she sees an Animagi dressed in white and he is holding a Godstone staff. When she finally musters the strength to give the command to shoot to kill, it's already too late. He gave the warning that the Queen should come to "the gate of the enemy" willingly or face their unyielding wrath. Immediately after the warning, the Animagi lights himself on fire, making a statement that will stay in the minds of Elisa and her people forever. Later, she goes to the catacombs to pray and collect her thoughts, an assassin attempts to kill her. The power of the Godstone helped deflect the worst of the damage and healed her with the help of her doctor.

In the middle of her healing process, a snake in the grass that is a part of her inner circle gets one of her Royal Guards executed for his "part" in the Queen's grave state. However, it was just a cover to protect the true assassin.

After many other assassination attempts that threaten her life she sets off to find this Zafira, which is their world's magic in it's most purest form. If she can harness this power she will finally have a fighting chance against her enemies. I was so excited she was finally going to harness her power and become this cool sorcerer that can make even her allies shiver in their boots from across the world.

The other characters in the book made it out to be the climax of the story, that reaching this destination will be the best thing to ever happen to Elisa. She even had to sail straight into a hurricane and even went through a water sprout to show the gatekeeper of the Zafira she is worthy of such power. When she finally gets to the cave she meets this old man. I pictured him as a frail, insane, and completely washed from color. He made the task at hand sound impossible and that one of them (herself or the companion that went with her to see the place of power) will take his place for thousands of years as being the human sacrifice for the Zafira while the other will either die or become a powerful sorcerer.

I was at the edge of my seat, perhaps even biting my nails (shhh don't tell anyone that though). Now imagine my disappointment when the great task was to deflect the pure energy and power that the gatekeeper directed towards you (In my mind I was imagining little kids saying: "pew, pew! Pew pew pew!" when playing with imagined lasers). That is your great task? This is why I gave the tone 4/5. I was built up to expect something far grander than a light show of death. Then after five minutes of Elisa deflecting his power with her Godstone channeling the same power, the gatekeeper kind of huffs and announces her as a sorcerer and to now be on her way.

Really? That is what makes her a "powerful sorcerer"? I expected her to barely hold on to the inch of her life with the strain of the test. THAT is what makes a powerful sorcerer, being able to come out alive from a test that tests her mind, spirit, and power; not this light show of death. I mean she had to sail straight into a hurricane and water sprout to get to it! I'm not saying everyone can live through something like that, but given she has a living Godstone in her, I expected a hell of a lot bigger test than that.

After that disappointment, they are traveling back when the assassin who was trying to end Elisa the entire book finally catches up to them. He orders Elisa to come to the "gate of the enemy" willingly since it is God's will. Ximena shows her true colors (at last!!) and tries to keep Elisa safe by telling him that Elisa's true love is Hector and she will follow him anywhere (thinking that Hector can take one for the team and sacrifice himself for her). Thinking the same thing, Hector admits he loves her which causes the assassin looks at Hector in pure amusement. When Elisa admits her love of Hector and that she will follow him wherever he may go, the assassin accepts this and takes Hector with him as leverage against Elisa. Elisa is so mad at this point she dismisses Ximena and told her to go back to Orovalle.

Elisa now has two months to figure out the plan of action, go to the "gate of the enemy", and save the love of her life. Did I also mention she wrote the formal document that announces her royal engagement with Hector since he is the final heir to a throne for a neighboring kingdom (excusing the black sheep older brother, of course) LOL. Elisa has steel in her, indeed.

There are three parts of the book I did not see coming. The first: her flogging her kitchen staff. Yes, I do get that she needed to show her strength to the people, however, I feel that this situation could have been avoided in a type of speech to the people (Something other than death, imprisonment, or flogging).

The second: Hector is a prince?! WHAT! Definitely did not see this coming. This makes me think, though; I know they explained why he became a part of the royal guard for Alejandro, but I can't wrap my head around the fact he gave up his high position in life to stay practically a servant for the King (and now Queen). I get why he did it for Elisa (they are so adorable) but not sure why he stayed with the King.

The third: Ximena. How dare she use Hector as a sacrificial lamb! This might be my secret fictional crush on Hector shining through, but Hector deserves a lot more than that!

I am going to give the ending a 4 out of 5. I feel it was kind of rushed even though the Author did complete the thought of this book and answered any questions left. She should have worked more at Zafira and the kidnapping of Hector. Perhaps gone into more detail? Perhaps she could have added a bit more dialog or a twist that fits more into the plot. Don't be afraid of making longer books! Readers would prefer longer books that complete the thought beautifully rather than something that turns out to be rushed just in order to complete the book.