Generally, I do not like books written in first person POV, and I really do not like books written in alternating first person POV. The few books I have read that were written in first person weren't bad or anything, it's just that the format is not something I can enjoy.

However, I thought I'd venture outside of my comfortzone and picked this book on a whim. While I still don't enjoy the format, Queen of Coin and Whispers was a damn good story.

Nineteen-year old princess Lia inherits the throne to the Kingdom sooner than she expected. I like how this book averts a common trope: Lia actually does want to rule and she is determined to fix the mess the previous King, who was her uncle, has left behind. Of course, things are never as easy as planned. Lia has few allies, and needs a spymaster. She kind of forces young Xania into this role.

This book has a metric ton of court intrigue, conspiracy plots, fraud, politics, and foreign meddling. Soon after Lia's coronation, people start dropping dead left and right. Lia and Xania have to work together to keep Lia on the throne, but the growing attraction between the two could be the catalyst that will end Lia's reign.

Despite the format, I really enjoyed this book. I did think the ending was a bit rushed. A lot is happening in the final chapters, and I felt there was enough material there for a proper sequel.
one of the main characters ends up with a severe case of PSTD, and I felt this was glossed over in the epilogue. I also would have loved to see the Queen of Farezi more involved with the deposing of her son.