February 15, 2020
In a "Snow White"-inspired third outing, the heroes of Nissera deal with the fallout from Realm of Ruins (2018). Glisette attempts to fix the damage her uncle and older sister did to the kingdom while in charge--dealing with the resulting starvation and poverty--and then (after a cryptic warning from Mercer) travels to Perispos to visit her sister Ambrosine, whose power was restricted as punishment and whose marriage with the king was arranged for her. But there's something terribly wrong with vain Ambrosine and her dynamic with her beautiful stepdaughter. Meanwhile, Kadri deals with her own political crisis as Erdemese's King Agmur, believing the monarchs and Realm Alliance left standing at the end of the last book to be unstable and possibly illegitimate, threatens to end diplomatic relations. She's visited by fay love interest Rynna who brings from her people a dire warning regarding the power vacuum left by the Water. Various conspiracies and plots reveal different players and their wide variety of agendas (including yet another secret society and a "Bluebeard" homage) as Perispos' (anti-elicromancer) religion comes into play. Though the main existential crisis is dealt with, much political unrest remains unresolved in an ending promising more magical threats. While most characters are white, the brown-skinned Erdemese with their eroticized and exoticized folk dances evoke Orientalist tropes. Fans will enjoy seeing more of the world through complex, interwoven plots. (maps, deities list, cast of characters) (Fantasy. 12-adult)
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April 24, 2020
Gr 7-10-In the third installment of the "Nissera Chronicles," newly minted queens Kadri and Glisette attempt to pick up the pieces in the wake of the Moth King's destructive path, but things are not going as planned. Glisette's sister Ambrosine joins forces with one of the Fallen in her new home of Perispos. Seeking to gain glory, power, and revenge, Ambrosine makes a deal with a devil that quickly elevates her from a newlywed royal in a strange land to a dominating and threatening force. Kadri and Glisette face new enemies (and old ones) as their efforts to instill peace in their kingdoms are continuously thwarted by uprisings, kidnappings, betrayal, and other twists and turns. This is a plot-driven book, and not one to pick up without having read the previous entries. Ambrosine is a wonderful villain, both beguiling and sinister. Her possession by a demon-like force is rather sensual, painting a wonderfully visceral picture of the ways their powers and desires (and conflicts) intertwine. The sibling rivalry between Ambrosine and Glisette is appropriately tense and realistic, with old grudges and loyalties embedded in their story. Chapters move quickly between characters' points of view and time periods, which could be challenging for some readers, although seasoned fantasy readers are accustomed to such a structure. VERDICT A necessary purchase for those with the first two volumes, this book makes the case for acquiring all three. Recommended for fans of books by Leigh Bardugo, Laini Taylor, and Sarah J. Maas.-Nora G. Murphy, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, CA
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