Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Jackson's riveting romantasy debut draws readers in with an inventive magic system, audacious characters, political intrigue, and swoony romance. Adela is a keeper, one who is responsible for collecting and caring for the skulls of mystical creatures that, when worn as masks, imbue humans with magical powers but who is forbidden to wield this magic herself. When she discovers two phoenix skulls hidden atop a high shelf, she unwittingly unleashes a pulse of energy through the valley where she lives. She fears this event may be responsible for her mentor's subsequent death in a dragon attack, after which she is promoted to head matcher, now in charge of matching skulls with future priests of the Huntress goddess. At the festival of the matching, Adela falls hard for broad-shouldered novitiate Kian. What starts as a fling turns into a permanent connection when both Kian and, unexpectedly, Adela match with the powerful phoenix skulls. What Adela doesn't know, however, is that Kian's on a yearslong mission to avenge the death of his parents by infiltrating the Huntress's temple and taking down "the most powerful religious order in the world" from the inside. Adela and Kian's alternating narration adds to the mounting suspense as they realize their fates are intertwined. With passion, humor, and plentiful revelations, this fast-paced adventure is sure to entertain. (Mar.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT Adela resides in an impoverished, isolated valley full of magical, dangerous creatures. Her job is to match the skulls of dead creatures with priests who are loyal to one of the ruling religious orders. Once matched, a portion of the creature's powers are transferred to the priest who wears the skull, and Adela's community gets rewarded with resources. When Adela mistakenly matches herself as well as undercover revolutionary Kian with two extinct phoenix skulls, they become magically bonded. Forced to figure out their tenuous situation, Kian and Adela grapple with their secrets, navigate their growing attraction, and ultimately decide together what's best for their kingdom. Fans of insta-love and fated-pairs tropes will find much to enjoy in this sexy romantasy that focuses on finding self-acceptance. While there are moments of fun banter, there's also some awkward prose and a lack of finesse. VERDICT Jackson's unique world and magic system will appeal to curious readers looking for a heartwarming standalone fantasy.--Gina Collett
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