Tells the story of two princesses from two very different countries. While one country embraces an earthy magic usually embodied by women, the other favors the violent, war-like power generally found in men. When the two princesses come together in one court, the fates of both countries may never be the same. Some people will fall in love. Some will be betrayed. Some will reveal unexpected power. And many will die.
While I was excited to read this book, since it sounded like an enthralling fantasy, it was very difficult to become immersed in it, both because of the frequent telling instead of showing, and because of the very slow pacing. The characters rarely acted -- often standing around instead, thinking about how helpless they were and how there wasn't anything they could do to prevent all the awful things that were happening. The lack of action made this one a bit of a slog, and the princesses' self-pity and hand-wringing in the face of some truly awful events made it hard for me to sympathize with them. There is little resolution at the end, as if it is the first of a series, but no other books have been announced as of yet. Perhaps fans of the author's other books, or those who can never get enough fantasy, may find this one to their taste.
HS -- OPTIONAL Reviewed by: Caryn
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