After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force. An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she’s known.
Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared.
Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.
In her blockbuster debut, Bliton spins a YA tale replete with magic, the fight between good and evil, and even a touch of romance. Orphaned at three after her parents were killed in a military uprising, Wren learns early in life that she has a gift for shadow magic. And she’s going to need it: an evil Necromancer, Rhonin, is determined to conquer all the worlds contained within the mythical land of Caldumn, and he’s got his sights squarely set on Gaelfall—where teenage mage Wren lives with her adoptive family. Joining the other Sentinel warriors to head off the looming attack, Wren trains hard with her adoptive father, Viggo. After Viggo’s partner was killed by a Necromancer, he developed a deep hatred for them—so when Wren meets Tyran, a Necromancer who seems to be fighting for good rather than evil, Viggo is extremely hostile and distrusting. But it’s soon evident that Wren and Tyran have an electrical connection, able to read each other’s thoughts—and Tyran proves that he is trying to help on the side of good rather than the side of evil. Bliton skillfully leads both Wren and Tyran through an unending rollercoaster of adventure and fighting for the light to prevail.Outstanding supporting characters—especially night watch and wizard in training Oona, spunky caretaker Endora, and Tyran’s lifelong friend Gunnar—add heart and heft to the story.
Bliton’s painstakingly intricate world-building is imbued with surprising emotion, and the detail is engaging, inviting readers to revel in this world’s magic, tensions, relationships, and fearsome beasts without slowing narrative momentum. She also builds to some spectacular plot twists that will keep readers on their toes. A touch of romance is woven throughout, although nothing at all beyond the bedroom door. While written for young adults, this well-written, deftly plotted story will appeal to adults who relish fantasy, too. Readers will eagerly await Bliton’s next entry in this projected series.
Takeaway: First-rate YA fantasy debut with spectacular world-building and lovable characters.
Comparable Titles: Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s The Girl of Ink & Stars, Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
