Disclaimer: I received this book in a trade. Thanks!
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature scenes, gore, and love)
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It has been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium’s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought the gem home are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity do not come easily.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn’t meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.
Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune–or fate–pulled her into Kalanthe’s orbit. And now she’s quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn’t much of a choice at all.
Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn’t quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.
In a tale both sweepingly epic and intensely personal, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound independence and to find their way back to each other.
Review: I thought this book was super interesting and full of girl power. The characters were all interesting and the book was filled with queer and diverse women! I loved them all so much and thought they were all well developed.
Unfortunately, I felt that the book had some severe pacing issues. It was fast then slow then medium then slow then fast and faster and then slow. The book also was hard to follow along in my opinion. The book changed POV but you had to wonder who’s POV you were in constantly. I really wanted to connect more with the book, but I kept getting lost as to “who” I was at any given moment.
Verdict: A great and diverse book, but pay attention!
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