When Princess Hesina's beloved father dies suddenly, it's clear to her that he was murdered. Rules of succession demand she assume the throne, but she is much more interested in finding out who killed him and why his murder is being covered up by the court. Debut author He started writing the story as a senior in high school, and her college studies in both Chinese history and psychology shape this fast-paced tale of political intrigue. Details of Chinese language, clothing, and customs abound, and there's a plot twist around every corner: shady characters, betrayal, red herrings, and the conflict found in the urge to use magic in a kingdom where magic is forbidden. Determined to avenge her father's death, Hesina breaks rules, fights duels, and engages the services of convicted young criminal Akira, who investigates her father's death. Romance between the headstrong princess and enigmatic, brilliant Akira seems inevitable d forbidden. A fully realized history helps make this adventure, rooted in Chinese folklore, feel epic, while Hesina's fierce determination will appeal to contemporary readers.

Her father, the king, taught her to believe in the people, the courts, truth, and the new era.As Hesina begins to seek justice for his death, she finds hard truths and becomes entangled in lies, some of her own making. In her debut, He creates an Asian-inspired fantasy where centuries ago, the last of the relic emperors, who pursued selfishness over the welfare of the people, was overthrown by the Eleven, a group of outlaw heroes who authored the Tenets, a book that the rulers of Yan have since lived by. In building this new era, they also perpetuated the systematic slaughter of the emperor's henchmen, the sooths, and anyone else with the power to see the future—those whose blood burns blue. At 17, Hesina needs to be the ruler her father groomed her to be while navigating the land mines of court politics, internal power plays, and personal betrayal. The plot twists are truly dizzying at times, and everyone, from villain to ally, has an intriguing backstory. Learning forgiveness and the need to sympathize with the things people do to survive, Hesina evolves, sometimes painfully, from a naïve, reckless girl to a compassionate queen. All characters may be assumed Asian, and the author makes an effort to incorporate Chinese terms and writing conventions throughout.With complex worldbuilding and character development, readers tired of cookie-cutter stories will find some surprise twists here. (Fantasy. 14-18)

Princess Hesina of Yan is determined to find her father-s murderer in this fast-moving debut, even if she must break with the traditions of her country. In an irregular act punishable by death, Hesina visits one of the hidden sooths, beings who appear to be human, can see the future, and, some say, perform magic. Silver Iris, a sooth, points Hesina to a prisoner, Akira, to be her advocate in court, where the two try to prove that her father, who died suddenly, was actually assassinated. Hesina ascends to the throne as suspicion is cast upon the sooths and the neighboring kingdom of Kendi-a. She desperately tries to avoid war, while her younger brother, General Sanjing, takes forces to the border. Hesina is never sure whom to trust, and He conceals and reveals the characters- motives, continually surprising both Hesina and her readers. He combines a highly detailed Asian-inspired culture that incorporates Chinese names and traditions, aspects of top-notch thrillers, and complex characters to create a series opener that should appeal to teens and adults alike. Ages 13-up. (Apr.)