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were slowly accumulating until I could feel the ripples
inside me growing into waves."
In a distant future where humans have stopped relying on machines and technology, Princess Kamille is targeted by assassins who end up killing her mother. Kamille is assigned a bodyguard, Agent 86. Agent 86 is tough, and she insists on the princess learning self-defense and holds her to a high standard. As the two adjust to each other, they dive deeper into the gruesome past of Kamille’s family. Discontent in the country is growing, as are attempts on Kamille’s life. Kamille’s coronation is only weeks away, yet she feels her father doesn’t allow her access to important matters of state, and she often feels trapped in the castle. After a bold attack on the princess at the castle, troubling evidence is unearthed about Agent 86.
Wolfe’s book is a young adult verse novel with fantasy and dystopian elements. This type of novel and format has grown in popularity in the young adult space over the past two decades. Wolfe demonstrates her understanding of the genre and structure and presents a well-written addition with strong female leads. The setting is interesting, and her sparing use of slowly emerging powers in her characters is deftly handled. The relationship between the two main characters is strong and crafted with an adept hand. However, more detail concerning worldbuilding and the political landscape with its history and implications would strengthen the novel. Overall, Wolfe shows a reader’s understanding of the target audience and genre while displaying a practiced author’s hand. Young adult readers will likely enjoy this novel. Fans of dystopian themes and verse format especially will consume Wolfe’s debut and clamor for a sequel.