This quote!! 💜💜💜
Princess Bride meets Alice in Wonderland
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems.
Even her own identity.
Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys.
Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part).
As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
For fans of Lauren Roberts' Powerless and Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood
The journey of Cate from Oregon to Staton University in England is far from an ordinary college experience. The tension in her story highlights the universal challenge of masking one's true self to gain trust and navigate social complexities. As Cate reflects, "If only the people of Caelum didn't need a painted version to trust me. But isn't that what everyone did in both worlds? Don a mask and hope that someone would see through it, would understand and love the person inside?" This powerful quote reflects a common human experience — the layers we put up as protection, sometimes preventing others from truly knowing who we are. In Cate’s case, the stakes are even higher: her survival depends on deciphering who around her is sincere versus who is hiding dark intentions. The “full armor” she mentions is symbolic, representing her emotional defenses in a world where appearances are often deceiving. Furthermore, the story's blend of relatable college challenges with a fantastical prophecy creates a compelling romanstasy narrative. Rival kingdoms and political intrigue intertwine with personal growth and romantic tension between Cate and two captivating boys — reminding readers that even in magical realms, coming-of-age dilemmas remain central. The themes of identity, trust, and love in the face of adversity resonate strongly with readers who enjoy nuanced young adult fiction, as seen in similar works like Lauren Roberts' "Powerless" and Melissa Albert's "The Hazel Wood." For lovers of this genre, Cate’s tale offers rich world-building, intricate relationships, and suspense that keep you turning the pages. This narrative also sparks reflection on how we interact in our daily worlds. How many of us wear masks to protect ourselves, hoping someone will understand the person beneath? Cate’s experience encourages embracing vulnerability when the time is right and understanding the strength it takes to lower our defenses. In summary, Cate’s adventure offers much more than magic and romance — it presents a thoughtful exploration of identity and trust, wrapped in a captivating plot. Whether you are drawn to the fantastical kingdoms or the emotional depth of the characters, this story will provide a memorable escape and meaningful insights.