In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.
Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.
Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison, and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.
Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge? (Goodreads)
If there is one thing I can say about this book it’s that it is a perfect example of storytelling done right. Very rarely do I find a book that manages to make almost every character and side plot really mean something to the overall story. What really impressed me was the skill and ease with which Kristoff pulled the beginning and end of the book together so perfectly.
The story always keeps you engaged with a great balance of high-stakes action and slower moments to add to character and plot development. I have heard others suggest several different methods of reading the book based on the format in which it is presented. (Such as reading the past and present separately or just reading the author’s extensive notes at the bottom of the pages at once) However, I absolutely do NOT recommend doing this the first time around. These methods are for re-reading only. From my experience, the absolute best way to read this book for the first time is to be patient and take in everything as it comes. Even if it is tempting, try not to skip past the notes because most of them are hilarious and add a lot to the tone of the book.
While the main character, Mia, is sassy and interesting enough, the interactions between her and the cat of shadows are what really make her shine. The two characters compliment each other marvelously which helps to keep the reader invested. This book is filled with great side characters who are easy to become attached to so watch out because Kristoff holds no punches with this incredible story.
My recommendation: Anyone who likes the Throne of Glass series will probably find it easy to fall in love with this book. It also had a bit of a Hogwarts feel (yes, I know it seems like everyone says that about everything these days) but for me, it was the truth. There were a few scenes that specifically reminded me of the Last Battle of Hogwarts.
Extra side note: I purchased the UK hardback version of this book and it is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. It is honestly one of the most beautiful books I have ever purchased and if you are a US reader like me and you appreciate that kind of thing, it is 100% worth the extra effort and wait of buying and shipping it from overseas.
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Posts
Social Icons