Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A witch is compelled into dangerous royal service in this dense fantasy debut. Unlike most citizens of the Somanchi kingdom, Ruti was born without a magical elemental mark and lives in the wilderness as an outcast, surviving through use of her rare signing magic. When Kimya, a child whom Ruti cares for, steals a royal ring, Ruti takes the fall and narrowly escapes execution. Her skill draws the attention of Dekala, the future queen of Somanchi, whose uncle refuses to let her ascend to the throne until she finds her soulbond. To circumvent her uncle's meddling, Dekala brings Ruti to the palace in hopes that her magic can block the binding process. Ruti bristles at Dekala's haughtiness--and the discovery that her powers don't seem to be having any effect on Dekala. Upon learning that a prince's arrival (and a forced soulbond) draws near, Ruti, Dekala, her lovestruck guard Orrin, and Kimya race to a magical lake whose potent water might pose a solution. Uneven characterization and occasionally puzzling turns aside, Malburi crafts an ambitious adventure teeming with surprises and romance. Ruti is described as "olive-skinned" and Dekala has "fine mahogany cheekbones." Ages 12--up. Agent: Tamar Rydzinski, Context Literary. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Ruti is the most powerful witch in Somanchi, and this is probably the only reason she has survived. She is Markless: she lacks the palm marking that gives the higher class their magic. Markless live in the brutal slums, abandoned by their families. Dekala is royalty, with a powerfully magic mark. Her parents died when she was young, and now her uncle wishes to see her wed. When she finds her match, their marks will bond, making their magic even stronger. But Dekala has no interest in bonding with another and moving to his kingdom. She is ready to take the throne that her father once held. When Dekala and Ruti collide, they are instantly at odds. But Dekala needs Ruti to use her magic to stop the bonding, and Ruti needs Dekala to escape punishment. The two set out on a quest, and along the way, Ruti discovers a growing attraction to Dekala. Just when Dekala seems to share her feelings, one obstacle after another pushes a wedge between them. Ultimately, Ruti finds herself fighting for the survival of her fellow Markless and hoping that Dekala sees their time together as more than just a dalliance. This fantasy world is full of love, magic, betrayal, and pirates. Relationships that are not quite what they seem keep the story from falling into predictability. VERDICT The romance here burns slowly and will hook readers who enjoy sapphic fantasy. This one is also sure to be a hit with the fanbase Malburi has already built as a popular fanfic author.--Jill Shepard
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a world where marks on the skin dictate your social status and indicate the type of magic you wield, a young Markless witch and a princess must join forces to break tradition. Ruti is Markless, lacking any pattern on her palm that would tie her to elemental magic. Without a Mark, she's an outcast from society and looked down upon by the Marked. Nevertheless, 18-year-old Ruti is a powerful witch. Through her singing, "she has the favor of the spirits"; unlike the Bonded, whose marks show their mastery over one element, Ruti's respect toward the spirits grants her broad powers. Princess Dekala's uncle insists that she must become bonded to a prince or noble before she can claim the throne of Zidesh, and he has scholars at work attempting to find her soulbond. When a purloined ring leads to the young women's paths crossing, Dekala gives Ruti a choice: use her magic to help Dekala avoid soulbinding with any of her suitors or suffer the consequences. Though hatred burns between them, Ruti and Dekala find themselves caught up in a whirlwind that could reshape their futures and the future of the Markless forever. Fast-paced and thrilling, this magical fantasy brings the enemies-to-lovers trope to new heights while poignantly examining themes of poverty, discrimination, and sexuality. Ruti has olive skin; Dekala has brown skin, and the supporting cast is fantasy diverse. An immersive, page-turning Sapphic fantasy romance. (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
