Kirkus Reviews

As their country moves inexorably toward war, a thief and a princess swap places.Dodging conscription is a crime punishable by death in the Raja's Snake Pit, but 18-year-old Ria is willing to do anything to leave Abai-even stealing jewels from the royal palace. Governed by a ruthless king whose bloodline grants him and his heirs the ability to control snakes, Abai is about to reach the end of a centurylong peace treaty with its neighbor, Kaama, and all signs point to the bloody continuation of a feud that began after the ancient battle of the six Great Masters of Magic. When Ria is caught in the palace by the princess Rani, both are shocked to discover that they are identical twins. Rani, who lives in sheltered confinement, seizes the opportunity to prove herself to her father. She convinces Ria to temporarily stay in the palace, where she may find the answers to the twins' separation, so that Rani can sneak out and locate the legendary Bloodstone, a powerful gem that could change the course of history. Themes of fate, identity, and sisterhood intertwine in this lush fantasy that incorporates Indian cultural elements into its worldbuilding. Chapters alternate between two distinct storylines that progress incrementally, following the sisters as they decide how they will shape the future of their kingdom.A fresh take on a classic tale. (authors' note) (Fantasy. 12-17)

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

Pickpocket Ria has grown up in an orphanage within the kingdom of Abai, stealing food from street vendors to survive. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Princess Rani Singh, Abai-s future ruler, lives in suffocating luxury, surrounded by courtiers and cruelty. When Ria breaks into the palace to steal some jewels, the two girls are stunned by their identicality, and Rani immediately recognizes the potential uses of a doppelgänger. Haunted by the knowledge that her kingdom is on the verge of conflict, Rani persuades Ria to take her place while she searches for a magical stone that could change the tide of the coming war. Though Ria accepts, neither can foresee the far-reaching consequences that the deal will have-not just for them, but for the fate of Abai itself. In their traditional publishing debut, the Nanua sisters (the Pendant Trilogy), maintain distinct voices throughout for their dual narrators. Rich descriptiveness of food and setting plus inventive magical details paint a glamorous high-fantasy world, steeped in intrigue and bolstered by Punjabi cultural touches. Though the swiftness of the plot occasionally sacrifices character development, its pace leaves little room for boredom in this immersive series starter. Ages 12-up. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (June)

School Library Journal (Sat May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 9 Up-The authors draw on Indian and Punjabi culture in this nVoices reimagining of twin-switch tales like the "Prince and the Pauper." Eighteen-year-old Ria and Rani are identical twins who were separated at birth. One grows up as an orphan and the other, a princess. When they meet, at first they only crave the things the other hasfor one, freedom, the other, riches. However, as war looms closer for the kingdom of Abai, the twins must learn how to restore their family and, along with it, the balance of magic that has been lost under unscrupulous influences. This book is set in a fantastical realm of snakespeakers and flametalkers, yet woven throughout are the celebrations, foods, smells, and stories of Indian and Punjabi culture. The setting is rich and evocative, and readers will enjoy following Rani and Ria as they unravel the mysteries of their past. VERDICT A satisfying twin-switch tale with a vibrant setting, recommended for readers seeking high fantasy. Talea Anderson, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA.