Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Nebula Award winner Novik (the Scholomance series) continues her skillful exploration of different fantasy subgenres in this mesmerizing, border ballad--esque novella. The war between the kingdom of Prosper and the bordering Summer Lands, home of the immortal summerlings, began 100 years ago when summerling Princess Eislaing threw herself to her death on the day of her marriage to King Sherdan of Prosper. After the cunning Grand Duke Veris finally puts an end to the fighting, he schemes to become the power behind Prosper's throne through political marriages for at least two of his three children, but his eldest son, Argent, forsakes his family name to seek love in the Summer Lands. Twelve-year-old Celia, furious at what she considers her brother's abandonment, accidentally curses him when she comes into her powers as a witch. Then, at 16, her magic leads the new King of Prosper to marry her off to the King of the Summerlands, and Celia must rely on the brother she cursed as well as their middle brother, Roric, whom she and Argent both ignored, for any hope of escape. Novik's fans will be pleased by the canny twists and turns of the plot, as well as the sweet queer romance between Argent and the Summer Prince at its center. This surprisingly tender paean to love of all kinds is a treat. (Sept.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Sorceress Celia is the youngest of her father's children. Her beloved eldest brother, Argent, has decided to leave home, to leave her, and with immature rage and new power, Celia curses him to live a life without love. Immediately knowing that she has made a horrible mistake, Celia attempts to undo the curse, all the while mending her relationship with her rejected middle brother, Roric. Meanwhile, the king pursues the young sorceress as a bride for his son, Crown Prince Gorthan. When her wedding day with Gorthan arrives, Celia finds herself caught in the middle of a centuries-old battle between her people and the summerlings, immortal beings who despise their human neighbors, especially the prince to whom she is now married. Then Argent returns, determined to fight for his sister's freedom, no matter the cost, but Celia knows it's up to her to save her brother, her people, and herself. VERDICT This delightful novella is an immersive fairy tale highlighted by Novik's (The Golden Enclaves) vivid prose, with a sharp woman protagonist. Fans of Amal El-Mohtar's The River Has Roots looking for their next read will find this book enjoyable.--Kristi Chadwick
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