Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In an island nation where multiple factions battle for control of its magical plants, three teens from different backgrounds become unlikely allies in the ongoing struggle against an occupying country and its religious zealotry. When an important diplomat is kidnapped, Adeluna, a former rebel soldier, hatches a plan to find him before war can break out, and she frees the notorious raider Deveraux Bell from prison so he can use his unique talents to aid her in her efforts. Meanwhile, Benat, crown prince of occupying Argrid, attempts to use the island-s natural magic to cure diseases, even though his own father will brand him as a heretic for it. This first volume in a duology pairs political intrigue, magic, and high adventure with a religious and social conflict reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition. Between the extensive worldbuilding and sprawling cast, there-s a lot going on, and both the characters and story threads lack development. Still, Raasch (Frost like Night) creates an entertaining, complex story that will keep readers engaged up to the cliff-hanger ending. Ages 13-up. Agent: Mackenzie Brady Watson, Stuart Krichevsky Literary. (Aug.)

ALA Booklist (Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

In the devout country of Argrid, the people worship the Pious God, and magic is punishable by death. Crown Prince Benat watched his beloved uncle and cousin burn to death for disobeying his father's laws, and Ben has kept his own interest in the forbidden magic a secret til his father gives him an unexpected task. On the island of Grace Loray, once oppressed by Argrid but now free, magic flourishes even as political relations remained strained. Adeluna, the daughter of politicians, helped Grace Loray fight for its freedom when she was just a child. When a diplomat vanishes during the peace talks between Grace Loray and Argrid, it could all be for nothing. Lu forms an uneasy alliance with Devereux, a notorious pirate who sells Grace Loray's magical plants on the black market and has his own reasons for getting involved. This first in a duology is an action-packed political thriller filled with betrayal, plot twists, and touches of romance. Fans of Raasch's previous work (the Snow like Ashes series) will feel at home here.

Kirkus Reviews

Magic, politics, and religion collide in unexpected ways in this action-packed fantasy adventure.Adeluna "Lu" Andreu thought the war was behind her, but once a soldier, always a soldier. With the capture of Devereux "Vex" Bell, one of the island's most notorious unaligned raiders, the careful treaty about to be signed between Grace Loray and their enemy, Argrid, quickly falls apart, leaving the fragile new government in disarray. Argrid hopes to take advantage of this moment to resume control of Grace Loray and its supply of magical plants. Botanical magic that can heal wounds, give strength, or cause explosions could turn the tide of the inevitable war. While outwardly pious and opposed to magic, crown prince Benat "Ben" Gallego knows more about the subject than any loyal citizen should and risks being labeled a heretic, with potentially devastating consequences. Readers will cheer on Lu, Vex, and Ben as they try to come to terms with their pasts to decide who they want to become and what role they want to play in the coming violence. While the pacing can be uneven, there is enough action and intrigue to keep readers invested. Strong, smart female characters lead the revolution, and romance (both straight and gay) is hinted at without distracting from the story. Characters' complexions range from pale to dark brown.A cliffhanger ending will leave readers excited for the second installment in this duology. (Fantasy. 13-adult)