Allow two days (or one EXTREMELY long one) for this PG15 paranormal quest for freedom set mostly in Aleshtain on Alcardia which starts when Crown Prince Eras Thilain acquires his first (and only) slave to keep her from the clutches of his father King Rabhor and the dastardly High Priest Orabhan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Trader Prince of Aleshtain

Thank you to Ariel Paiement for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

In the kingdom of Aleshtain, the abuse and degradation of women have become commonplace. But Crown Prince Eras remembers a time before his kingdom became so cruel. He regrets his inability to influence the royals away from their ways. When Rhubhian is put on display for sale amongst the newest captured slaves, Eras sees the look in his father’s eye. No longer able to watch another woman be broken beneath the King, he buys Rhubhian to save her. But Eras’ father has his eyes set on Rhubhian and will do whatever he can to steal her away.

Trader Prince of Aleshtain immerses the reader in a story filled with politics and complicated relationships. Rhubhian is a torn character. Having survived as a slave, she has been conditioned to accept a certain place in life despite the defiance she holds close to her heart. Meeting Eras makes her dare to hope there is another way for her to survive without losing more pieces of herself.

On the other hand, Eras struggles with himself. He hates owning a slave but knows it is the only way to keep Rhubhian away from further harm. He must navigate the politics surrounding him and fight for a way to free not only Rhubhian but himself as well. But as their lives intertwine, there may be more at stake than just their freedom.

Trader Prince of Aleshtain is an engaging book that progresses the story through dialogue instead of actions. While there are hints of magic, the focus on character development and relationships brought the story to life. The world-building was seen through emotions and opinions rather than the standard overarching explanations seen in other novels. I loved this unique style because it added a sense of depth to the characters.

This is not a book filled with twists and turns. Readers will not be engaged in many action scenes. However, the emotional tension that Ariel Paiement has created with these characters is excellent. There is a layer of realism and intricacy to her writing that drew me into the story and did not let go.

Though this may be the second book released in the Legends of Alcardia series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I look forward to the next installment in this series. I can’t wait to see what culture will be explored next! ( )