If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would have to be “sideways.” The story hits you at angles, and comes for you from corners. (No, this is not a horror novel.) Everything is implication and the first Protagonist spends a great deal of time being confused because no one says anything flat out. (This Reader also spent a lot of time being confused because no says anything flat out. It’s a book that stops you flat and makes you consider everything you know up to the point you get some new bit of information that brings new facets to light.)
First Protagonist is a boy from a noble family. A family that is destroyed by the forces of the king in the first chapter. (The king of the country is afraid of a prophecy involving two of the noble families of the kingdom, which will create a dynasty that will destroy the power of his family.) After escaping, he’s taken in by a farmer and his daughter, and given the identity of of “Kahlil,” the presumably deceased son of the daughter. (I can only guess that’s what happened, because no one comes out and says it.)
Protagonist two is a girl named Zikora, who wants to be a warrior. (Sadly, she possesses the “Girl who hates girl-coded things” trait. It is a very tired trope at this point. You can like sewing and also stabbing people–both involve sharp pointy objects! On the other hand, she’s eight and very stompy/restless, so that could be the actual issue.) She has a very bad time after she finds out her big brother was killed trying to rescue Protagonist One’s older sister. (This is again, because of the prophecy about the downfall of the king’s family.) Zikora ends up becoming what is essentially a hostage to her father’s good behavior. Meanwhile, “Kahlil” also ends up at the royal court.
The over all theme (aside from “vengeance is best served hot AND cold”) is about the return of magic to the world. (And also what seem to be manipulations of prophecy that would make a Bene Gesserit green with envy.) It’s about revenge and extremely ruthless politicking in a fantasy-African setting that takes the twists and turns of political/epic fantasy and does interesting things with them.
This is a very well written novel, though it was somewhat difficult for me to engage with the plot, due to the sideways nature of the narrative. (This has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. This is entirely my brain refusing to engage with characters talking around subjects. I both feel for and am annoyed by Kahlil/M’kuru. (Annoyed because he’s a brat who isn’t fast enough on the uptake, but also sympathetic because I am also slow on the uptake with this novel.) Zikora is a likeable enough character, and there is some really great character growth for both her and Kahlil. I recommend this book if you enjoy political fantasy with lots of twists and turns, and engaging characters.
This review is based on a galley copy received via Net Galley!
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