Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Newly burdened with hiding the deal they made with Isola as well as having to do their coursework, Rat will stop at nothing to rescue their rival-turned-friend Harker from Isola's clutches. In order to ensure Harker's safety, no method is off the table, from archival research to actual crime. Unfortunately, it seems as though some members of old-blood houses think the same. So begin the complications that lead to dramatic escapes through forgotten magical passageways and high-stakes battles--occasionally, both simultaneously. The regular action-packed interludes combine with frequent revelations to prevent a plot that largely hinges on research montages from dragging. Thanks to the setup for growth in book one, Rat quickly becomes much more sympathetic than they were to start. The specific queer subcultures that Rat and Harker belong to are represented immaculately. VERDICT An easy purchase where the first book saw circulation.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this sequel toA Hundred Vicious Turns (2023), Rat must outwit magical enemies to save Harker. Two months ago, Isola, a deadly, feylike creature known as a Rook, took Harker, Rat's love interest and occasional rival, captive. To rescue him, Rat must pay Isola's ransom by finding Isola's heart, which was taken from her and hidden in the Ingrid Collection long ago. However, Rat isn't the only one seeking the Collection--Evening is also on the hunt. Thanks to a rare hint from Isola, Rat and their friends begin to suspect Evening of stealing from the archives belonging to the oldest magical families. Their best bet for finding out the truth is during the Revel, when Evening will be distracted by the festivities. Complicating matters, Isola offers her assistance in distracting Evening in exchange for an invitation that will allow her to attend the Revel for mysterious reasons of her own. Rat starts planning heists on two fronts when newcomer Allister points them to a spell that might let them sneak past Isola's wards. While both enemies are preoccupied during the Revel, Rat must break into Evening's office and rescue Harker from Isola's tower. This duology closer seamlessly ties up loose ends without disruptive exposition. Isola is as terrifying as ever, if a bit less alien now that she's familiar to both Rat and readers. New information about the magical system expands the worldbuilding around the white-presenting leads. Shiveringly good.(Fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
