Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for himself, his mother, and his sister Mari. Ironically, the only thing of value he has is something he can’t sell. For as long as Han can remember, he’s worn thick silver cuffs engraved with runes. They’re clearly magicked-as he grows, they grow, and he’s never been able to get them off.
While out hunting one day, Han and his Clan friend, Dancer catch three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. After a confrontation, Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won’t use it against them. Han soon learns that the amulet has an evil history-it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.
Meanwhile, Raisa ana’Marianna, Princess Heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She’s just returned to court after three years of relative freedom with her father’s family at Demonai camp – riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Although Raisa will become eligible for marriage after her sixteenth name-day, she isn’t looking forward to trading in her common sense and new skills for etiquette tutors and stuffy parties.
Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea-the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems like her mother has other plans for her–plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.
The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning new page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima
First, a random quote from the book:"You're no warrior, Hunts Alone"- Willow Riversong
Second, an apology to the (nonexsistent) fans of this blog. I'm sure you were all devestated by the fact that I didn't bring humor, sunshine, and great jokes to your lives for a period. Yup, I can already here people laughing. At me.Third, a question. Who is the other co author of this blog, known only as The Reader. I have several likely suspects: My cousin, her sister, my cousins language arts teacher, Quentin Tarterino(or however you spell it), Bruce Wane, Dick Grayson, my cousins deformed goldfish, my Rottweiler, Peyton Manning, E.T., and me. Now, to the review.This book is what most people would typically expect from a fantasy book. There's magic, a princess, a fractured world with Seven Kingdoms, a few wizards hellbent on taking the kingdom for their ownand a lot of political intrigue. However, their are a few breaks from the norm. The Princess, Rasia, is strong willed, stubborn, and has no need of being saved. Instead, she decides to save herself. The other main character, Hanson Alister, is not some knight in shining armor. He's a down on his luck former gang leader who is trying to make a living. Their meeting is chance, and there is no romance between them( in the second book.... I won't spoil it.) Finally, one of those wizards, Micah Bayar, doesn't care about getiing the kingdom. He just wants Rasia as his bride.This and a few more items that I've forgotten, along with great writing, help this book stand out. What stood out the most to me was the ending. It delivers a unexpected conclusion for both characters, leaving at a cliffhanger and basically forcing you to read the second book. All in all, I love this book. So far, I've read it over about 5 times, and it's still good.Rating: 5/5
