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Raine Valerian’s childhood as an orphan has been a darkness that threatens to consume him. However, when a spirit guides him to save a drowning princess, a connection is formed between two people headed in opposite directions. Raine is destined to become an assassin, an unflinching henchman for the terrifying Lord Mahan of the Krasiv Isles, while Kalista is on an inevitable journey to becoming the queen of Avalyn.
Crowe’s work is the epitome of young adult fantasy, exhibiting shades of Brandon Sanderson with her impeccable worldbuilding skills that allow multidimensional characters to fully explore their roles. Whether it is the undeniable synergy between Raine and Kalista or the childhood friendship—that is predestined to become much more—between Kalista and the general’s son, Luke Ramsey, the characters are all interlinked and invested in the outcome.
With the lore of the Sol Defenders, hidden secrets pry their way onto the horizon. When the evil Mahan appoints Raine—known as the daunting and ruthless “Shadow”—to track down the princess, the plotline reaches an inflection point. Will Raine follow Mahan’s orders or follow his heart? Unsurprisingly, Raine instead opts to heighten the tension by becoming Kalista’s bodyguard.
Crowe’s narrative is imbued with a refreshing balance of lighthearted fun before the plot reaches the point of no return. Ideal examples are the sparring scenes between the princess and Raine and the game of darts using knives where even the king gets involved. Above all else, the central male characters are both equally endearing and equally perfect for the queen, creating another subplot that becomes the elephant in the room whenever Kalista finds herself around them, which is often. A combination of characters worth rooting for, a world as believable as it is intriguing, and a plot that never rests make Crowe’s work a compelling read.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review