When the time comes for Mireya the fourth princess of Istalam to dedicate herself to the service of her country, she finds herself desperately lost. She wants to serve her people but doesn’t know how. There’s no clear path for her unlike her older sisters. So, Mireya makes a choice that hasn’t been used in centuries and chooses to exile herself from the royal family. Escaping to the city of Sayorsen which happens to be right next to the magical Cataclysm, Mireya must make a new life for herself and keep a low profile to avoid her family trying to haul her back home. Setting herself up as an aspiring Tea Master at a struggling tea shop, Mireya quickly finds friends, enemies, and more complications than she expected. But a good cup of tea might be the right starting place or it may land her in hot water.
The whole world of this book is fascinating, and I have so many questions. It seems like a fantasy setting but there are trains. If a princess can remove herself from the royal family why can said family drag her back into that life? What is going on with this magic Cataclysm? Why are Tea Masters they’re own independent thing (enough so that they can negotiate treaties)? We get hints about bigger picture things, but mostly the story is focused on Mireya and her journey. I love the fact that Mireya’s friendships are really the center of the story. This is a little bit of a romance building but her friendships, especially with other women are really more focused on.
It’s a good solid cozy fantasy story with plenty to keep the reader guessing. While parts of the story were predictable, I has surprised by a number of places it when which was refreshing. There were enough unfinished plot threads that I’m champing at the bit to where the series goes in the sequels. I’d give it four out of five stars.
