Review by Booklist Review
In the city of Trestatto, Milo hopes to become a storica--a historian who preserves the tales of the sancts, or ancient heroes turned to stone protecting the city from invaders. When his prayers free a sanct named Gia, she reveals a troubling secret about Trestatto: the sancts were fighting enemies within, led by Ennio, the templar of Magna, who used an invocation to petrify his political enemies. Even worse, the current head of the temple, the figure Milo is devoted to, is that same Ennio, now immortal. Milo joins with Gia to expose Ennio and end the legacy of lies that have long shrouded the city. With a unique Romanesque setting infused with myth and magic, this is a harrowing tale of two young people grappling with injustice. The narration alternates between them, showing the development of their romantic relationship while also bringing to life the intricate structures that make up Trestatto's society. Filled with action and intrigue, this debut is sure to satisfy readers who desire a new twist to YA fantasy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Desperate to escape the shadow of her sister Adalena, the ruler of the ancient city of Tresatto, and eager to please temple leader Ennio, 16-year-old Gia helps him overthrow her. Though he promised that Gia would rule by his side, Ennio betrays her by turning her, and all who oppose him, to stone. A thousand years pass before autistic 17-year-old temple warden Milo somehow releases Gia from her rocky prison. Reeling from the knowledge that Ennio has become an immortal ruler, Gia must rely on Milo if she hopes to enact her revenge. But her freedom is temporary--Ennio's curse is tied to the moon. While she's human at night, by day she's trapped in the stone once more, and in a month, she will be imprisoned again forever. Now Gia and Milo must combat an entire city of Ennio's worshippers to defeat him. As Gia and Milo grow closer romantically, they find their worldviews challenged, especially as Milo realizes his entire sense of purpose has been built on Ennio's treachery. Schwartz relies on plot conveniences to craft this uneven mythological debut. Still, through a dynamic blend of action and magic, Schwartz conjures an alluring adventure that interrogates belief, faith, and perception. Most characters read as white. Ages 14--up. Agent: Lee O'Brien, Irene Goodman Literary. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A warrior and a religious scholar seek justice in this fantasy debut set in an Italian-inspired world. Gia believes she's found an ally in Ennio, Magna's head templar. After Gia arranges a meeting between him and Lena, her sister who is a principessa and head templar of Alta, she is stunned to discover she's just a pawn in Ennio's plan to take control of Trestatto. Deciding to fight back, Gia instead becomes one of many victims Ennio traps in stone. One thousand years later, people honor Primo Sanct Ennio. At the temple, Milo is fascinated by the statue of an anonymous sanct who sacrificed herself, giving her life to save Trestatto. When he accidentally releases Gia from her imprisonment, they both find themselves questioning their identities and how to right the wrongs of a millennia. Gia and Milo share the third-person narration, giving readers emotional glimpses into inner conflicts over guilt and faith while shining a light on injustice and contemplating truth and the accuracy of historical narratives. Gia self-describes as fat; she endures some negative judgment for her size. Milo identifies as autistic; his methods for moving through the world are described, and the effort it takes him to mask is acknowledged. Well-detailed action sequences, including revenge plots and battles, are sprinkled throughout. A variety of skin tones are present, and queer people are a natural part of this society. Perfectly balanced action, reflection, and intrigue; sure to offer wide appeal. (content warning) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
