Magic has returned to Iosia, and no one in the Kingdom is safe.
A young adult dark fantasy with strong female characters.
Long ago, war ravaged Iosia as the Onyx King and his evil magicians sought to rule with dark magic and fear. The first Thorne King and his loyal Sentinels (shape-shifters blessed by the gods with the ability to transform between human and animal forms) defeated the Onyx. With magic banished, all of Iosia has enjoyed peace and prosperity for generations under the rule of the House of Thorne.
Seventeen-year-old Princess Ysabelle, firstborn of King Leopold Thorne and Queen Astrid, is the beautiful and ambitious heir, willing to do anything to attain her birthright—even marrying the enemy—a man who threatens not only her future, but also her heart. While Ysabelle loves being a princess, her younger sister, Dahlia, does not.
Sixteen-year-old Princess Dahlia is the feisty, rebellious Spare who longs for a life beyond the castle walls; a life free from the restrictive rules of her royal family, her sister's relentless bullying, and society's judgmental glares—one where she does not have to conceal her disabilities from the world… A life where she can spread her wings and fly.
After centuries of peace, trouble is brewing in Iosia. King Leopold seeks to quell the unrest and prevent war with a royal wedding. For the first time since the Guardian Wall was erected—separating the exiled descendents of the Onyx King from all other Iosians—those of Thorne and Onyx blood stand side-by-side in Thorne Castle, but all is not as it seems.
Magic exists once more in the Kingdom. Darkness is lurking; feeding on secrets, seeking to pit sister against sister—Heir against Spare—to alter destinies. Can a Thorne save Iosia once more, or is the real enemy wearing the crown?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author has crafted a delightful, well-planned work with an engaging and intricate story line and nuanced characters. This is a meaty story that offers young readers much to savor with a disfigured but spirited hero and a beautiful but evil villain. Although intended for younger readers, adults will find much here to enjoy.
Prose: Alfano is an extremely talented writer who is not only able to create a captivating plot but seemingly produce effortless prose. The narrative tells the reader all they need to know about characters' integrity, motivations, and true nature.
Originality: The author has created a multifaceted world with original and complex characters. The premise is also highly memorable.
Character/Execution: The author does a stellar job with characterization, particularly with Dahlia, the spirited and defiant hero, but also for her sister Ysabelle who is also central to the story. The reader is never in doubt as to the character of these two young ladies.
Date Submitted: June 30, 2023
