Review by Booklist Review
Ryan is adept at mixing the perfect blend of romance and fantasy, telling stories with tension and romance that are peopled with strong characters. In her latest, set in the same realm as These Hollow Vows (2021), she immerses readers in an ethereal world, where fearless Princess Jasalyn is on a mission of revenge, using a poison kiss to kill those who wronged her. Meanwhile, brave shape-shifter Felicity is simultaneously seeking her own kind of revenge after having spent her life moving from place to place in an attempt to escape a dark fate in which she might have to murder her own father. When rumors swirl of the return of the evil, destructive fae Moredeus, the girls decide to swap places, and they embark on risky parallel adventures. The story really takes off when each one finds a companion for her quest--Jasalyn joins up with handsome, charming adventurer Kendrick, while Felicity's path pairs her with the strongheaded Wild Fae king, Misha--and they find themselves potentially risking their own hearts in the process. Apart from the glittering magical world, Ryan powerfully explores the dynamics of relationships, the struggle to be true to oneself, and the importance of being brave enough to open up to others. Banter, romance, and a complex plotline seamlessly come together in the hands of a powerhouse fantasy author.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Teens seeking vengeance find star-crossed love in this tempestuous duology opener from Ryan, set in the world of her These Hollow Vows duology. Jas may now be a pampered Unseelie princess, but she remains traumatized by her time as false king Mordeus's prisoner. Though Jas's sister Brie killed Mordeus when she rescued Jas and claimed the Unseelie throne, Jas also wants the guards who tortured her dead; she slips out nightly to covertly murder them using an enchanted ring for which she traded her immortality. When rumors surface regarding Mordeus's resurrection, a hyper-protective Brie sends Jas to stay with Wild Fae king Misha, unknowingly thwarting Jas's revenge plot. Then shape-shifter Felicity offers an out: she'll pose as Jas, provided that Jas helps a fellow former Mordeus captive liberate the human realm of Elora by slaying the diabolical patriarch of a powerful magical society--who is also Felicity's birth father. Following a convoluted setup that relies upon knowledge of the preceding novels, Ryan delivers an emotionally complex dual-narrative tale that sensitively explores issues of agency and mental health while illustrating retaliation's myopic nature. Sizzling romance and cascading complications maintain tension, and an artfully shaded, intersectionally diverse cast confers resonance. Ages 14--up. Agent: Dan Mandel, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (July)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Princess Jasalyn has a magic ring that gives her influence over others and the kiss of death. Her only motivation is revenge against those who have wronged her, and using the ring she sneaks out at night to kill her enemies. When rumors of the evil King Mordeus's return from the dead begin to make their way around the realm, Jasalyn knows she must do something to stop him once and for all. Felicity has a magical ability to take on the form of anyone she desires. Together they create a plan that Felicity takes Jasalyn's place, so she is free to pursue the sword that has the power to take down Mordeus. The book is told in the dual perspectives of Jasalyn and Felicity. Ryan successfully shares the tribulations of characters, and their inner turmoil between right and wrong (including their romances) drives the narrative. There are no real main events in this book; it is all build-up for the next in the series. It is important to note that this is a spin-off from Ryan's previous series "These Hollow Vows." Although it is not necessary to read the other series first, those who have will be able to dive into this already established world more successfully and avoid some major spoilers. The interesting magic systems and political structures created are elaborated on in this novel. VERDICT Those who enjoyed Ryan's "These Hollow Vows" series will appreciate the start to this one, so long as they don't mind waiting for the sequel for resolutions.--Aliza Mangefrida
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Three years after a human slayed the evil faerie king and took power in the Unseelie Court, two young women from different backgrounds are brought together by destiny. Three years ago, Princess Jasalyn was freed from captivity under evil faerie king Mordeus, but she can't escape the memories of torture. At night she uses a ring forged with witch magic, giving the kiss of death to those who once hurt her. She's shocked to learn that Mordeus may somehow be alive. Then Jasalyn is kidnapped during one of her secret outings by Hale Kendrick, the man whose presence in the dungeons buoyed her when she felt ready to die, and she's offered a chance to fight back against the Magical Seven, who helped Mordeus take power. All she must do is swap places with Felicity, an Eloran Echo whose magic allows her to take the form of others and access their memories. Felicity will pretend to be the princess while Jasalyn works with Kendrick to kill Mordeus for the safety of the realm. This duology opener, set in the world of Ryan's These Hollow Vows series (but accessible to new readers), is told from Felicity's and Jasalyn's alternating first-person perspectives, and it takes readers on a journey of intrigue, conspiracy, romance, and healing. Both leads open themselves up to love and friendship, helping readers become invested. The writing is fast-paced, the narrative is engaging, and the characters are dynamic. Main characters present white. Thrilling and romantic. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
