Review by Booklist Review
Sal has one goal revenge on those who destroyed the country of Nacea. And to achieve that goal, he/she/they (depending on the day) will need to become part of the Left Hand, the queen's personal assassins in the country of Igna. But the auditions for the position of Opal in the Left Hand are fights to the death, and Sal, a lowly thief and street fighter, may not have the skills to survive the other auditioners. Miller's first novel features a unique character in a blandly familiar setting. Sal, who is gender-fluid, is everything an assassin needs to be: quick-witted, street-savvy, and unafraid of and unapologetic for killing. The political intrigue, though, doesn't have enough spice to season the plot, and the romance is a bit too rushed to bring much heat. Miller's setting is vividly drawn, however, which helps bring Sal's world to life. While this might be an alternative purchase for fantasy collections, it's a solid addition for libraries hoping to expand the gender diversity of their shelves.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sallot "Sal" Leon, a genderfluid highway thief, has spent 10 years vowing revenge against the nobles who allowed shadows born of magic to kill their family and slaughter their people. When Sal discovers that the queen is holding auditions for a new Opal (one of four private assassins/guards), Sal decides to compete, but it won't be easy. The other assassins-Ruby, Amethyst, and Emerald-won't accept anything but the best, the competitors can try to kill each other at almost any time, and they'll be tested mightily in the many ways of dealing death. The competition offers the opportunity to get close to some of the names on Sal's kill list, but matters are complicated when Sal falls for tutor Elise de Farone. Miller's gritty, lightning-paced debut features a rough-and-tumble yet movingly vulnerable protagonist: Sal is uncompromising in their convictions, and doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary but wishes to be more than just a weapon of vengeance. A complex but intriguing start to this planned duology. Ages 14-up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, L. Perkins Agency. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Sal is a gender-fluid war orphan living as a thief until they hear about auditions for their Queen's assassination squad. Sal survives deadly weapons training, sneak attacks, and mortal combat as "auditioners" compete to the death for the honored post. Sal's former robbery victim, Elise, now their language tutor and crush, offers Sal additional incentive to win because love among the Queen's favored is less likely to be judged unseemly. Sal's competition, known only by their assigned numbers, are driven by bloodlust and have various levels of expertise in violence. Sal's assigned servant, Maud, serves as the novel's comic relief as she and Sal banter about Sal's slim chances of success. In their kingdom left vulnerable by brutal wars, Sal seeks vengeance, love, and acceptance. The main character's gender-fluidity is well intentioned but is ultimately an awkward fit in this unsuccessful fantasy adventure. Determined readers may need to take notes to keep track of the countless fallen territories, the auditioners' numeric labels, and the veteran assassins' gemstone identities. The incomprehensible political history of Sal's world also hinders this ambitious series opener. VERDICT A laudable but disjointed attempt at teen genre fiction featuring a strong gender-fluid main -character. Strictly for patient fans of complicated, gory sagas.-Elaine Fultz, Madison Jr. Sr. High School, Middletown, OH © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Thief Sal auditions to become one of the four assassins serving the queen. Winning the deadly competition will allow Sal to then seek revenge on the nobles who destroyed Sal's homeland. Miller's tale, the first in a planned duology, is easy to read, though overly violent at times; notably, Sal's gender fluidity is presented in a clear manner (Sal's clothing choice dictates which pronoun Sal prefers). (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A scarred street thief competes to become an elite assassin.Sal comes from Nacea, a country and people obliterated in a war between other countries. After years living under an unsavory gang leader, robbing and fighting just to survive, Salwho's genderfluid and signals by that day's clothing whether they want to be called "he," "she," or "they"sees the perfect chance to get revenge for Nacea. The Queen's Left Hand, which is "her collection of assassins and personal guards named for the rings she w[ears]Ruby, Emerald, Opal, and Amethyst," needs a new Opal. As Opal, Sal would have access to the wealthy lords responsible for the Nacean genocide. The trials for the new Opal unfold bloodily, with three rules: kill the competition, don't harm anyone else, and don't get caught. Both Auditioners and the Left Hand wear masks throughout. Sal has brown skin, trauma, a set of skills, and a heady crush on a noblewoman. Political exposition reads messily, and some microflaws in the logic feel sloppy (for example, Sal bathes and eats in their room before nailing the door shut against the other murderous aspirants). However, the killing games and court intriguewhich may or may not involve magical specters previously used for torturing and killing Naceansare breathless and terrifying. Gory, well-plotted, suspenseful on every page, and poised for the sequel. (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
