Review by Booklist Review
Rivera brings readers a sweeping, Asian-inspired fantasy. Nomadic Qorin warrior Shefali and O Shizuka, a Hokkaran warrior empress, were prophesied at birth to be together. Though their first meeting proved to test that prophecy, the two girls became close and felt they would fulfill their destiny. From different lands, these two fierce females find themselves the only hope to save their world from an ensnaring evil. Whereas the fantastical and world building deem this a fantasy, the relationship between Shefali and O Shizuka fashions this tale a love story. With lyrical and abundant prose, Rivera tells a tale of star-crossed lovers. The love between the young women is so intense, and the love scenes seem tangible. First in a series, this novel embraces its strong female protagonists and forbidden love. Both romance and fantasy readers alike will find this title unforgettable.--Borsa, Emily Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Rivera's wonderfully intricate Asian-inspired epic fantasy debut introduces two young women bound by fate: Shizuka, whose uncle is the Emperor Yoshimoto, and Barsalyya Shefali Alshar, whose mother is Kharsa Burqila, the ruler of the Qorin. Omens are present at the birth of both children, a month apart: a pair of pine needles visible between their eyes. Though they come from very different backgrounds- Shefali is a horsewoman of the Qorin steppes and Shizuka the pampered heir of the Hokkaran Empire-their mothers determine that the omen means the pair will be lifelong friends. This initial association propels the two young women into grand adventures that become the stuff of legend as they discover the extent of their superhuman powers. Rivera's immense imagination and finely detailed worldbuilding have produced a series introduction of mammoth scope. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Empress Yui of the Hokkaran Empire, O-Shizuka, is struggling to handle her royal duties when a message written in a language that few understand arrives. It is the language of Qorin, the horse traders who live on the steppes (think Mongolia), and the sender is her old friend, the Qorin warrior Barsalayaa Shefali. Born under the same omen of friendship, the two had spent summers together, learning about each other and the world. As they grew older, O-Shizuka discovered how to be an empress-in-waiting to a tyrannical uncle, while Shefali developed a deeper knowledge of demons-for she met them when she was ten. Their ordained friendship also turns into a much deeper-and taboo-love. With both foresworn to protect each other's people, the women work together to defeat the demons to defend their world. Unfortunately, this story is undermined by clumsy cultural references. The use of real Japanese terms such as naginata, along with one-syllable changes of others, will confuse those familiar with Japanese culture. And the physical descriptions and slurs spoken by some characters ("rice-eater" and "ricetongue") will disturb many readers of Asian backgrounds. VERDICT Despite its flaws, this expansive fantasy brings together lush worldbuilding, compelling characters, and an unfolding story that keeps the pages turning. Everyone will have an opinion about this book.-KC © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
