by Roseanne A Brown (Author)
An instant New York Times bestseller!
The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction--from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.
For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal--kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia's freedom.
But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.
When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?
"Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone." (Publishers Weekly, An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List)
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Gr 9 Up—An immersive, West African-inspired debut. Malik arrives in Ziran with his two sisters for the Solstasia festival, yearning for a fresh start. A refugee with a sensitive heart, he will do anything to protect his family. When a deal with a magical entity leads to his youngest sister's abduction, he knows that there is only one way forward: He has to broker an awful deal to ensure her safe return. In the meantime, Karina is the crown princess of Ziran with a tragic past and a lot to prove. Plagued by chronic migraines, she wants to live her own life outside of the constraints of her position. When her mother is assassinated, she and Malik are thrown into each other's path; they are both on secret missions to kill the other and salvage what they have lost. A growing mutual attraction complicates their mission, and they learn what is truly worth fighting for. Readers will forgive Brown for occasionally tangled plotting, because the story, characters, and world-building are so skillfully handled. VERDICT A mostly tautly woven tale with a slow build that will leave readers wanting more. The first in a duology, this will appeal to those who love gentle male protagonists, strong female leads, and worlds filled with magic!—India Winslow, Cary Memorial Library, Lexington, MA
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. Malik and his sisters, refugees from the Eshra Mountains, have spent the last two months traveling the Odjubai Desert to find work in the city-state of Ziran. When his younger sister is taken by an evil spirit as payment for a magical gift, Malik strikes a deal to kill Princess Karina Alahari, 17, in order to save his sister. Meanwhile, Karina's mother, the sultana, is assassinated by an unknown man. Missing her mother and not wanting the responsibility of the throne, Karina vows to bring the sultana back from the dead; however, doing so requires a human sacrifice. Malik and Karina's paths cross during Solstasia, a weeklong Zirani festival celebrating a comet that comes once every 50 years. As they reluctantly fall in love, both wrestle, in a dual narrative, with their individual plans to kill one another. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative tantamount to that of Children of Blood and Bone. Ages 13-up. Agent: Quressa Robinson, Nelson Literary. (June)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.