Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Court intrigue, adrenaline-fueled action, and forbidden romance liberally season Hart's exhilarating standalone novel, which sees a palace servant become the kingdom of Lumaria's queen following a regicide. When housemaid Ruby is summoned to the throne room, she assumes she's being fired for refusing to give her kitten to crown prince Asher's betrothed; after all, Lady Rosaline will soon be queen consort, given that King Octavius has just died. Instead, Octavius's adviser informs Ruby, the widowed queen, and the royal children that the king's final edict names Ruby as his successor to the throne. Uproar ensues, and Ruby retreats to Octavius's chambers, where she finds a letter addressed to her from the king. He implores Ruby to solve his murder, which he believes was committed by someone from his inner circle. "The answer lies in history," Octavius claims, but Ruby--orphaned in infancy--doesn't know whether that means her own history or Lumaria's. Law requires Ruby to marry to ascend the throne, and politics dictate that her future spouse be a potentially viperous royal, so she must work fast to uncover the truth behind the king's death. Paranoia steadily mounts throughout this electrifying tale, which unfolds via the protagonist's witty, propulsive present-tense narration. Steel-spined, moxie-fueled Ruby shines brightly among the somewhat underutilized, mostly white-cued cast in this plot-forward read. Ages 14--up. Agent: Pam Gruber, High Line Literary. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--In this intriguing fantasy novel, a housemaid named Ruby finds her life irrevocably changed when the dying King Octavius inexplicably names her, a commoner with no royal blood, as his heir and future queen. This unexpected ascension thrusts Ruby into a world of courtly intrigue and danger, as she soon discovers the king was murdered and tasked her to find his killer. Navigating assassination attempts and an arranged betrothal to Prince Rowan, Ruby embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about the kingdom's history, her own mysterious parentage, and the vipers within the castle walls. Hart's writing creates a multilayered story, blending elements of romance, mystery, and fantasy adventure. The narrative delves into themes of identity, agency, and complex family dynamics as Ruby transitions from an "invisible" maid to a queen determined to uncover long-held secrets. An intricate and layered plot is filled with unexpected twists and revelations. Hart skillfully explores tropes like enemies to lovers and girls finding their agency. The pacing builds suspense effectively, with threats on Ruby's life and a deepening conspiracy that keeps readers engaged. Internal struggles Ruby faces, from her initial feeling of unworthiness to her eventual embrace of her power, are thoughtfully portrayed, making her journey relatable and compelling. VERDICT Sure to be popular with students seeking an exciting and emotionally rich read, this deliciously romantic and intricate adventure is a highly engaging addition for young adult collections.--Richard Winters
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An orphan's life is forever changed--and instantly endangered--when she learns that the late king named her his heir. Ruby considers herself lucky to be a housemaid for Lumaria's royal family. After the parents she doesn't remember were killed in a short but deadly war with neighboring Castella, a kind stranger placed Ruby in the care of Mellie, who was the royal family's cook. Ruby grew up in the castle, befriended handsome Rowan, one of King Octavius' sons, and secretly played asynchronous games of chess in the royal library against an unknown opponent. Ruby never imagined that, as a poor girl of unknown origins, she would become Lumaria's reigning queen. She's thrust into a terrifying new world, forced to prepare for her coronation, fortify herself against antiroyalist protestors, and possibly marry one of the princes to secure her place on the throne. To make matters worse, Ruby discovers a hidden message, left for her by the king himself, warning her that she's in danger and that he was murdered--likely by someone close to him. Her life becomes an exacting game of chess: One wrong move and she may be the next piece to fall. Debut author Hart wastes no time launching the plot; the storytelling is straightforward and the worldbuilding is minimal. Readers can expect a satisfying stand-alone mystery with a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance that follows familiar beats. The cast presents white. A light and absorbing royal mystery.(Mystery. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
