Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Picking up right where The Frozen Crown left off, Kelly's latest feminist epic fantasy is even better than her debut. After death witch Askia, Queen of Seravesh, witnesses the assassination of her new husband, Emperor Armaan of Vishir, before the marriage is even consummated, she is abducted and imprisoned by Radovan, Emperor of Roven. Magic is rare and specialized in this world, and Radovan is building a collection siphoned from his string of murdered wives. He's acquired all types of magic but one: death magic, Askia's specialty. Askia has just one month before Radovan's Aellium stone drains her of her magic and traps her soul, and the enchanted chain keeping the stone around her neck suppresses her powers such that while she can still see the dead, she's unable to summon them or compel them to do her bidding. But with the ghosts of Radovan's six murdered witch-queens on her side, Askia has a fighting chance to end Radovan's reign of terror. Complex worldbuilding and fascinating characters propel the intricate plot to a deeply satisfying climax. Sword-and-sorcery fans won't be able to put down this gripping tale of female solidarity and triumph. Agent: Stephanie Kim, New Leaf Literary. (Nov.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
This sequel picks up exactly where The Frozen Crown left off, with heroine Askia of Seravesh in the hands of the Roven Empire. Emperor Radovan has killed her new husband, the ruler of Vishir, and will make Askia his wife in order to claim the magic she holds. Askia only has 30 days before she follows in the steps of Radovan's six previous brides before her and is killed for her death-magic. Yet not all of Askia's power is trapped, and she has the spirits of the late wives and Queen Ozura of Vishir to advise her. Askia is not only a princess and a witch; she is a warrior, and now she will use all of her knowledge and ability to save her people from war, no matter the cost. But time and hope are fleeting, for Askia and for her countries of Seravesh and Vishir. Kelly's plotlines fit together like an intricate puzzle, and the hints of romance and in-your-face betrayals keep the pages turning. Her characters' races are nonspecific. VERDICT A satisfying conclusion that showcases intriguing characters, epic worldbuilding, and all the political and personal scheming a reader could want.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
