Rule

By: Ellen Goodlett

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan, Bahni Turpin, Soneela Nankani

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Three Dark Crowns meets Pretty Little Liars in this sensational and striking new fantasy from debut author Ellen Goodlett.

Three girls. Three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.

The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos.

Or rather, three unexpected options.

Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she's already gone.

Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.

Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady's maid and scheming her way out of the servants' chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she's done.

When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: They are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny...to rule.

Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in the first book of this sensational and striking fantasy duology.

©2018 Ellen Goodlett (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Rule delivers dazzling magic, suspenseful court intrigue, and pulse-pounding surprises. A treat for fans of richly layered fantasy!"—Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Frostblood Saga

"Goodlett treats readers to juicy gossip, court intrigue, and danger. [Her] worldbuilding is detailed and politically astute...providing a satisfying build toward a cliffhanger ending."—Publishers Weekly

"Goodlett weaves an absorbing narrative of political intrigue, friendship, and romance...the cliffhanger conclusion will leave readers desperate for the next volume."—BCCB

Finished listening in two days, it’s that good

The suspense! Major cliff hanger at the end, moving on to book two now. Can’t wait.

Very engaging

Watching the sisters get to know and trust each other over time is so sweet and fun. Each of them learn more about Colonia, and the various reaches over time, and how they hold importance to each other. It’s a great book.

can't wait for the next book

i devoured this book and can't wait for the next, what a cliffhanger! love the magic system, very creative.

Oh my!!

Be still my beating heart!!!! This is the best book I've read so far. I've only been doing audible for about 6 months now. And this book is so dang good! I cannot wait to read the second one because the first one left with a huge cliffhanger! Oh but it is so good! The characters are relatable and the narrators are excellent. Three narrators with this book, one for each character and they do a really good job!

So SO good!

I was absolutely sucked in instantly! This is one of the best books I have read in a long long time. I love the world building. I love the characters. I love the plot. Just when you think you know where this is going everything changes. It was a little like reading Harry Potter!!

Who doesn't have a secret?

I'm a little torn on my rating for this one. I think that some of the plot line is interesting and has potential. When the heir to the throne is killed, three girls find out that they share a royal father and are now in line for the throne. The girls all come from different areas of the kingdom and have lived very different lives and have different skill sets. Each however has a secret that puts them in danger. Once they are all in the capitol, the threats to reveal their secrets begin. The author did well on creating distinct characters and story lines for the three sisters. They each have useful talents that they were unaware of prior to having to navigate court life. The beginnings of a rebellion are in motion in the kingdom.

What this story lacks is better dialogue. Some lines are cringe-worthy. There has also been a slow revelation of the history of this world and the blood arts. The vulgar arts are an interesting element. The relationships between the sisters seem to have developed relatively organically, but their relationships with others not so much. The relationship with one of the sisters and the Queen seems very stretched. It's disappointing that the author chose to end this on a cliffhanger. Maybe she felt no one would read the second book if she didn't? Kind of an indication that this novel has trouble standing on its own. Not sure if I will read the next story. There is just enough there to make me think maybe, but I'm also debating whether I care or not.