Review by Booklist Review
Set in the same universe as Meyer's debut, Beneath the Haunting Sea (2018), this companion title features a fascinating and flawed protagonist: the ambitious, self-absorbed Eda, driven by her goal of ruling Enduena. The illegitimate daughter of the previous emperor, Eda, at age 9, secretly poisoned her father and gained control of the throne, though she is constantly thwarted by scheming members of her council. Forced into a political marriage at 18, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Prince Ileem until he tries to kill her. Meanwhile, her best and only friend, Niren, dies, leaving Eda alone to bargain with the god Tuer, now imprisoned in a labyrinth. Of special note here is the intricacy of the world building. Clearly, much time has been spent constructing the history, culture, and religion of this universe, and it lends depth to Eda's plight. There's a twist to every plot and subplot, but Meyer's smooth presentation will keep readers enthralled and ready for the next title.--Debbie Carton Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--A companion to Meyer's debut novel, Beneath the Haunting Sea, this stand-alone adventure fantasy is perfect for fans of Megan Whalen Turner's Queen of Attolia and ambitious female protagonists. Nine years ago, Eda made a deal with the god Tuer to be Empress of half the world and usurped the heroine of Beneath. Now, Eda's power is slipping through her fingers. Between conniving barons and her own tyrannical sensibilities, Eda is trapped in a political quagmire that keeps her from holding up her end of the god's bargain--and may cost her Niren, her best friend, whose soul she put up as collateral for her crown. While her violent internal monologue initially sets up Eda as the villain of this story, her character quickly develops to be more than her ambitions as she interacts with a large cast of characters. The world-building is intricately woven into the political machinations of Eda's empire, with the nuances of the world's polytheistic religion raising the stakes of the story. Meyer's deft descriptions give the novel a fairy-tale quality, as Eda must fight her way through the labyrinthine Circles of the Living, the Dead, Time, and Sorrow to save Niren--and herself. After all, she never bargained on how long she would get to be Empress. VERDICT A recommended purchase for libraries in need of character-driven fantasy with a morally gray cast and divine interference, in the vein of Megan Whalen Turner's The Queen's Thief.--Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Library, IL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Eda has given up everything to become empress, but making a deal with a god is dangerous, especially one as clever as Tuer.After the death of the emperor, Eda was made empress of Enduena, much to the chagrin of her (much older) advisers, who continually attempt to undermine her authority. Her first order of business was to bring back religious practices that the previous emperor abolished and reconstruct a temple in Tuer's name: She made a promise to him that if she failed to do so, she would forfeit the life of her best friend, Niren. Wracked with guilt over gambling with Niren's life, Eda is hit with another surprise when a new suitor arrives for her, Prince Ileem of Denlahn, her country's greatest enemy. Could a marriage alliance save her people from all-out war with the Denlahns and give her the support she needs to finish her temple and save Niren? This ambitious book attempts to cover a lot of ground but struggles with pacing and character development. While the world is well built, with clear rituals, rules, and beliefs, the first part drags, readers will likely anticipate the ending, and characters' behavior at times feels inconsistent. However, the second half of the book sees Eda's growth, more action, and some exciting magic. Whiteness is situated as the norm; the Denlahns are brown-skinned, and Niren has bronze skin.Overall, a solid and enjoyable book. (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
