Book Review: The Secrets of Everlight (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1) by Julie Hall

The Secrets of Everlight (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1)
by Julie Hall
October 6, 2026
Genre: historical fantasy
A thief turned spy must unravel an assassination plot against the fae prince by disguising herself as a princess competing for his heart in this entrancing romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Julie Hall.

For nineteen years, Rowan has fought to survive: first on the streets scavenging for scraps, then bound by a decade-long contract to a corrupt master. She longs for freedom but spends her days stealing from the highborn to pay off her servitude.

When a mysterious fae buys her contract, Rowan seizes her chance to escape. But her freedom comes at a price: she must uncover the assassin targeting Prince Dryden of the Ember Kingdom. To do so, she will pose as a princess among the royals competing for his hand in marriage.

Thrust into a world of silks and finery, Rowan has just weeks to master her role while hunting a killer hidden in plain sight. Eavesdropping and sneaking through gilded halls may come naturally, but the bonds she forms with the other princesses—and Dryden’s growing interest in her—are complications that threaten to unravel everything.

As whispers of danger beyond the kingdom rise, Rowan realizes the stakes are far greater than she imagined. And every stolen glance with the prince pulls her closer to a desire that could cost her not only her future but the kingdom itself.

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The Secrets of Everlight (Shattered Kingdoms) by Julie Hall is filled with Fae and some steamy forbidden romance!

An assassination plot keeps this moving along to uncover the who done it. Tons of mythical creatures laced with magics and some very hard hitting ladies kept me moving right along the plot lines.

Loved all the detailed built in this world of fantasy, high stakes and romance. It runs a tad bit long with some scenarios getting a smidge long winded. But for those that like that extra depth, you'll enjoy this one.

Getting 4 Sheep

 

 

KD

About the Author:
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Julie Hall is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author who traded her career in movie marketing for worlds filled with magic, danger, and slow-burn romance. She writes the kind of fast-paced, heart-wrenching fantasy stories that leave readers with epic book hangovers and a desperate need for more.

Her love of all things fantasy and supernatural started early—thanks to Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathons and a dog-eared collection of L.J. Smith paperbacks—and she’s been chasing that same blend of heart, humor, and high stakes ever since.

Her stories have captured readers around the world and are known for fierce heroines, morally gray love interests, and twists that make you gasp out loud. She lives in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two furry chaos-makers, forever chasing stories where love burns bright in the darkest moments.

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