December 1, 2022
Sisters question the path their mother set them on so she could expand her rule. Following the tragic ending of Castles in Their Bones (2022), Empress Margaraux has taken over Temarin, Beatriz is in captivity in Cellaria, and Daphne is still in Friv, balancing her loyalties. This middle book in a planned trilogy features a lot of journeying, shifting allegiances, disguises, poison, coded messages, subterfuge, and magic from the stars. It's driven, though, by the personal growth of Beatriz, who examines her newly discovered powers with the help of an unlikely ally, and Daphne, who is coming to terms with the truth about her mother's goals. Readers also get chapters following Violie, who was previously Sophronia's maid while secretly working for the empress. Book 1 spread the sisters across three different countries, and it's exciting to see those threads begin to intersect as characters traverse borders. As in the first book, the worldbuilding is rich, clearly defined, and easy to follow. The alternating chapters that shift between the lead characters include plenty of repetition about who's who and what's what: Some readers may find this bogs down the pace, but others will be grateful for the reminders. This continues to be an assumed all-White world; there's a queer relationship between side characters. The ending with twisty reveals makes for a nice setup for the final book. A solid midseries entry that will please fans. (map, family trees) (Fantasy. 14-18)
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February 1, 2023
Gr 9 Up- Castles in Their Bones sent three princesses to political marriages in three different countries; their mother the empress has now conquered one of them, leaving Beatriz imprisoned in Cellaria and Daphne in a tenuous position in Friv. Firmly a middle book, the plot is full of coded messages, espionage, betrayals, and the world's mysterious star magic. Daphne must come to terms with her mother's machinations, while Beatriz tries to get a handle on her magic with help from an unlikely source. Sebastian weaves the story together with a firm handle on pacing and worldbuilding, placing twists and turns throughout as characters leave their assigned countries. Exciting events are on the horizon for the final installment. VERDICT A fun political fantasy that fans will be happy to have. Recommended for purchase.
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