This book was so good! It's almost like two books in one. The beginning is very gothic horror, like VC Andrews but focused on a creepy Manor instead of...you know. The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of Zuhra and Inara. Inara seems to have extreme sensory issues and has attacks where she can barely speak due to being do overwhelmed. The girls live with their mother and servant in an old musty citadel protected by a sentient hedge. Yes, a sentient hedge that only let's Sami (the servant) out if there's an emergency. One day, a man somehow gets by the hedge and the adventure begins. This was a fascinating tale of loyalty and well, abuse. Yes, I understand that Cinnia felt deserted but did she have to treat her daughters so cruelly just for having questions? Honestly, I just wanted her to die! I really liked Halvor. His enthusiasm for knowledge of the Paladins was charming.