In the Amber Empire's world of perpetual daylight, beyond which nothing exists but shadows, Sylvie, who has only a necklace to offer any hint of her past, travels to present herself at the palais of Empress Severine, planning to reclaim her birthright among the nobility. But the empress decides Sylvie must earn her place at court, and Sylvie soon becomes Mirage, caught in a dangerous wager to prove that her gift for illusions is a worthy legacy of the aristocracy. As she navigates the intricacies of court life, Mirage quickly learns that the glittering facade of the palais conceals deadly secrets, and that the Amber Empress herself hides an ugly truth. Selene's debut shows much promise, but doesn't quite live up to its potential. The initially intriguing fantasy setting and cast of characters lack the depth and development to be truly satisfying, but Selene's clear storytelling skill marks her as an author to watch.

Feared for her ability to create fantastical illusions, Sylvie travels to Amber City in hopes of finding acceptance in the empress's court among others with similar gifts. Instead, Sylvie discovers illusions of a more human kind in perilous court intrigue, a dangerous patron, and a new name befitting her role as a "fantast": Mirage. Selene's opulent text is lush with figurative and sensory language.

Parentless Sylvie accomplishes her goal of joining the royal court but learns all that glitters isn't gold.Though raised on the edge of the known world, Sylvie's convinced her magical powers (she can create illusions) mean she's nobility. In the Amber City, the Amber Empress, Severine, indulges Sylvie but demands someone sponsor her, a call answered by the ice-cold, handsome, very blond and pale (his hair and skin color are fetishized) Sunder, one of the richest nobles. His sponsorship turns out to be a cruel jest, but Sylvie eventually learns there's more to him than she guessed. The intensity of energy between Sylvie and Sunder fairly crackles though it's unclear from whence their attraction stems. It is strange that it takes Sylvie so long to see the fractures in the beautiful facade of the court, although she is given lots of information and reason to doubt. Though there are a handful of important secondary characters, none is painted with much depth. Impetuous, obstinate, and obtuse, Sylvie doesn't grow much throughout, which may make her difficult to root for. However, the palace intrigues make this narrative gripping and will have readers eagerly anticipating the conclusion as well as anxious to know what happens next. Characters are described with varying skin tones from light through brown, and there is some diversity in sexual orientation.Riveting but flawed. (Fantasy. 12-18)

Gr 6 Up-Abandoned as a baby on the steps of the Temple, Sylvie was raised by the Sisters of the Scion. Sylvie has always longed for more than could ever be had in the Dusklandsthe land of twilight just mere miles away from the mystery and the perpetual darkness of Dominion. And she knows she is destined for more, because she has a magical giftone that allows her to create illusions from thin air. Escaping the Sisters' cloister and traveling to the Amber City where the sun never sets, Slyvie hopes that she has finally found a place to belong. But though the empress Severine gives her the new name of Mirage and allows her into the palais of Coeur d'Or, it is as part of a cruel wager that pits the aristocratic dynasties of Dexter and Sinister against one another. As Mirage works to control her legacy, understand the machinations and intrigues of the court, and find her place in the palais, she begins to learn that the lines between good and evil aren't so clearly defined and that the Amber City is not the home she imagined. The author gives enough details about the characters so readers can fill the gaps, and there are enough surprises as to players' motivations to keep the narrative engaging. The setting of a land with a static sun is attention-grabbing. On the whole, this is a satisfying read. VERDICT Full of riotous color, fantastical locations, and surprising plot twists, this novel is sure to delight fans of Graceling and Caraval . Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO