Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Aurelia is the first princess born to the Renalten crown in two hundred years, destined to fulfill a treaty by journeying to marry Valentin, the prince of Achleva – Renalt’s greatest enemy. Rumors of an unwell, cruel prince abound, and the only thing that eclipses Aurelia’s apprehension of her impending marriage is her fear of those who’d kill her to prevent it.

When an assassination attempt forces Aurelia to use forbidden magic to save a stranger, she is driven from Renalt by the witch-hunting Tribunal and a mob out for blood. But before she can claim asylum in the court of her betrothed, her travel party turns on her, forcing her to trade places with her treacherous lady-in-waiting, Lisette.

Now penniless in Achleva and bereft of her identity, Aurelia must decide if she wants to surrender to her new life or fight for her old one, all while navigating the complicated ties binding her to the enigmatic prince, the unquiet ghost of an ancient queen, and a poisonous plant called bloodleaf.

Aurelia is a pawn in a centuries-long game of love, power, and war— and if she can’t extricate herself from it before Lisette marries Valentin in her stead, she may face losses far more devastating than her crown.

Review: 
Sometimes, I admit, I judge a book by its cover, and the cover of Bloodleaf, by Crystal Smith really is lovely.  With a mysterious white flower dripping with blood and its swirling lines of thorny vines, my interest was peaked.  Happily for me, the possibilities hinted at by the cover came to fruition.  Bloodleaf is full of strong characters, a swoon-worthy romance, an exciting world of ghosts, treachery, and betrayal, and a story that was a page-turner.  I loved it!



Characters:
The story centers around Princess Aurelia.  She is a blood-mage (a witch who can use her blood to perform magic).  She's been told all her life that this is a curse, that she should be killed for her abilities.  At the beginning of the story, even she believes this.  I love how Aurelia gains self-worth and comes to understand that these are gifts.  Her transformation from helpless to courageous had me cheering her on.

Zan is another character who is underestimated.  All his life, he has been belittled and mistreated because of his fragile health.  When he meets Aurelia (disguised as a servant) he realizes that he can enact change to save his kingdom.  Zan and Aurelia help each other to make an impact. 

Romance:
With Aurelia and Zan being all supportive, is it any wonder that they fall in love?  Their romance is really lovely, how they are drawn to each other by similar experiences.  I am also really glad that this book did not follow all the regular tropes of a love triangle, or a love/hate relationship.  They just can see that they are kindred spirits.  
                
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World-Building:
The universe that this novel is set in is full of magic.  There are legends of powerful forces, witches, ghosts, and the strange plant, Bloodleaf, which only grows in ground that's been soaked in death. 
                  
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Story:
The story is full of conspiracies, hidden identities, and betrayal.  Someone is plotting to take down the magical barriers of the kingdom of Achleva.  In order for this to happen, there must be a series of sacrifices done at precise times to coincide with the phases of the moon.  It's up to Zan, with the help of Aurelia's magic to stop it.  But who can be trusted?  With many characters with hidden agendas, the plot kept me guessing to the very end.
                 
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Rating: 





Release Date:  March 12th, 2019

Author:  Crystal Smith

Publisher:  HMH Books for Young Readers

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Page Length:  384 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  With a fun fantasy world, this story of intrigue and romance is one you won't want to put down.