Review by Booklist Review
The Illustrian Condesa, Catalina, is hidden along with her people after being ousted by the usurper Atoc and the Llacsans. In a revenge effort, Catalina sends her decoy, Ximena, to the castle as a spy when he proposes a unifying marriage. Ximena hasn't had her own life since she was little, and now, when she needs to relax, she weaves beautiful tapestries with thread she makes from moonbeams, a skill taught to her by a Llacsan nanny. She learns while captive in the castle that if she uses colorful Llacsan wool, she can make her woven animal creations come to life. What else can happen if Illustrians and Llacsans were to band together instead of being sworn enemies? Inspired by Inca and Bolivian history, Ibañez highlights how hatred and prejudice leads everyone down the wrong road. Certain Llacsans, who Ximena had sworn to hate, begin to challenge her ideas, and readers, too, will note there's always another side to every story. With sword fights, damsels, vigilantes, magic, and betrayal, this thoughtful novel should have broad appeal.--Kristina Pino Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ximena, an Illustrian, weaves magical tapestries with moonlight. She has lived most of her life as the Condesa's double in order to protect the Illustrian throne from the Llacsans, who are always on the verge of waging war. In an effort to maintain peace, Ximena, as the Condesa's decoy, reluctantly accepts a marriage offer from the cruel Llacsan king. After arriving at his palace, she becomes the flash point between fiery, conflicting political factions. Debut author Ibañez creates a complex story, pairing an intriguing, subtle layer of magic with the deftly handled political intricacies. Ximena's development as a strong, justice-oriented young woman is compelling, especially as she shifts from being Condesa's decoy to becoming a leader with revolutionary ideas. Packed with action, this engrossing novel encircles its protagonist with an array of secondary characters, each with the potential to be both friend and foe, creating tension, momentum, and a dash of potential romance. Readers will root for Ximena as she comes into her own in every aspect of her life. Ages 14--up. (Jul.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A rollicking political fantasy inspired by Bolivian history and filled with irrepressible heroines, opulent settings, twisty court intrigue, bloody revolutions, and mouthwatering feasts. Ximena Rojas has been the decoy for the Illustrian Condesa of Inkasisa ever since the Llacsan King Atoc overtook La Ciudad Blanca by unleashing murderous earthquakes and ghosts. Ximena's own parents died in the siege, so when Atoc demands to marry the condesa, Ximena, a trained assassin with weaving powers given to her by the moon goddess, takes her place. At court, she finds unlikely allies and joins forces with a roguishly handsome Robin Hood figure, but she also begins to question whether her people should rightfully rule over the denizens of Inkasisa, who are brown-skinned and indigenous to the land they're all fighting for. Action-filled scenes and steamy encounters push the narrative forward. Readers will never be sure whom to trust or which side to be on, especially as Ximena questions what she's always learned about her lighter-skinned race. Themes of imperialism, genocide, and citizenship are punctuated by Spanish words and descriptions of delectable food and lavish clothing. Atoc doesn't hesitate to torture or kill his enemies, which can make some scenes hard to stomach. Secondary characters get short shrift, but readers won't think twice as they immerse themselves in the story.A refreshing, page-turning debut. (map, glossary) (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
