Review by Booklist Review
Mnara: a kingdom of vampires and gods, fraught with war and with a legacy of violence. A kingdom that Leyla, a vampire princess, will rule someday--that is, if Najja, one of the exiled yamaja, can save her life. When Leyla's best friend is kidnapped by the mythical Reapers, she and Najja are determined to save her by traveling to Nekros: the home of Favre, a half-god born a thousand years ago. The narrative is split among the three girls with occasional interstitial excerpts from fictional books that provide mythological context to the slowly expanding world. Typical of high fantasy, the story takes time before the narratives coalesce, at which point the pacing picks up markedly. All three characters have depth that will only be revealed in the conclusion of this duology, which will certainly drive eager anticipation for the next book. Overall, this vampiric take on the wildly popular romantasy genre superbly balances romantic tension with complex world building while staying within the bounds of YA literature, making it a welcome and much-needed addition.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
At the start of this ambitious dark fantasy solo debut by anthology editor Caldwell (Eternally Yours), scheming princess Thana stumbles into infatuation with Favre, the reclusive, winged daughter of a minor god and a deceased sorceress. After slaying her father with a sword forged from Favre's shorn wings and consuming his blood, Thana becomes the first vampire, aspiring to the throne with Favre as her queen. But they are soon overthrown and imprisoned for centuries until happenstance sets them free. Long after their imprisonment, future vampire queen Leyla, who experiences chronic pain, leaves her protected castle seeking the prescient yamaja, or messengers of fate. When she and banished yamaja Najja collide, blood is spilled and sparks fly. Alternating POVs tracing both couples' trials interweave throughout time, recounting how Leyla and Najja are drawn together as Favre and Thana's carefully laid plans fall apart. While the nonlinear storytelling occasionally lowers the novel's emotional stakes, Caldwell deftly demonstrates the intoxicating--and sometimes toxic--nature of the characters' mutual devotion. It's an enticing addition to the dark sapphic fantasy canon that's filled with inventive ideas . Ages 13--up. (Apr.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--The first in a duology about a world-altering power struggle between vampires and other mythical beings. Over 1,000 years ago, the young outcast Favre fell in love with Thana, the princess of the gods. Her devotion to the princess allows Thana to overthrow her father and Thana's growing ambition causes a millennium of violence between gods, vampires, and humans. The present day follows the current vampire princess Leyla on a journey to Nekros, the island of the dead, to rescue a childhood friend. Najja, one of the last yamajas and messengers of fate, joins Leyla, knowing she is the key to determining the future of the world. Caldwell offers a complex blend of worldbuilding and character development in this high fantasy. The novel's dual time lines provide readers with the origin and backstory of the current world, although information sometimes feels disjointed and a little overwhelming. The story is narrated from multiple points of view and carries themes of sacrifice, power, expectations, and purpose. Najja has a history of self-harming (never shown but discussed and referenced), and Leyla experiences chronic nerve pain. Characters are cued Black. VERDICT This YA fantasy has it all: a well-developed mythos, engaging emotional journeys, and captivating romance.--Maria Martin
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A prophet and a vampire princess embark on a treacherous journey. Thousands of years ago, the daughter of a human woman and a mighty god married a princess from the Heavenly Realms. To steal the crown, the princess killed her father, but as he lay dying, the king, who was the God of the Sun and Creation, cursed his daughter, turning her into a vampire. The vampire queen is now long dead but not forgotten--her tyranny has shaped history. For Najja, a 19-year-old yamaja who can see a person's death, vampires are far removed from her life in a tower surrounded by the Kutmenian Sea. But when she learns about a vision involving Leyla, princess of the vampire Nation of Mnara, Najja leaves home to save her. Together, they travel to the island of the dead, hoping to uncover the truth about their shared fates. The young women didn't count on their growing attraction--or an enemy waiting in the shadows. Caldwell's YA debut blends lush fantasy and high-stakes romance and features dynamic Black leads fighting against the stifling constraints of duty and honor. Although the historical backstory takes up too much of the work, the layered worldbuilding is intriguing and enticingly crafted, weaving original mythology and first-person action. The ending successfully teases the next installment of this duology. A thrilling and inventive take on familiar vampire lore, enhanced by the plight of star-crossed lovers. (author's note with content warning, family tree, the bloodlines of Mnara)(Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
