First in a series, this coming of age fantasy is about a half-elf, half-human girl who discovers she’s a princess expected to unite her realm and rule — at the age of ten. In addition to the hidden princess with the big destiny, there are elves, unicorns, a mysterious priestess, and magic.
The story is told through Azlana’s POV as well as that of her mother, which allowed for a lot of background and world building. At times Azlana’s thoughts and dialogue feel older than ten years, but I could go along with it because of her half-elf heritage and the Awakening she’s experiencing.
The first book ends on a cliffhanger, which perfectly sets up the second story.
Brenda Scott Wlazlo does a great job of channeling a slightly angsty, frustrated ten-year-old girl, then switching to a grown woman who wants to protect her daughter.