2019-05-22
Stakes heighten and our heroes' world expands in this sequel to the princess-falls-for-princess novel Of Fire and Stars (2016).
On the heels of defeating Lord Kriantz, Princess Amaranthine "Mare" of Mynaria and Princess Dennaleia "Denna" of Havemont encounter new trouble in the neighboring kingdom of Zumorda. The girls suspect that the kingdom of Sonnenborne is plotting major attacks, but it will take covert investigation to discover the truth. At the same time, Denna seeks training for her volatile powers, which prove dangerous to Mare and others. Denna values her identity as a magic-user despite the challenges she encounters because of it, inviting parallels to queer identity in the real world. Denna and Mare, finally able to be together, also face a new hurdle—what to do when their personal goals and priorities put them on diverging paths. Unfortunately, momentum lags, a result of a plot that attempts to incorporate myriad elements and a narrative style that bogs readers down in the princesses' thoughts. That said, expect action, political intrigue, new allies and enemies, and even a face familiar to readers of Coulthurst's (Starworld, 2019, etc.) second novel, Inkmistress (2018). Residents of the Northern Kingdoms have a variety of hair and eye colors, but skin color is not noted.
The going is slow but worthwhile for readers seeking thoughtful romance and an intricately crafted fantasy setting. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)
For readers seeking thoughtful romance and an intricately crafted fantasy setting.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Offers an essential allegory for the tenuousness of queer relationships in an often damaging world.” — ALA Booklist
Praise for INKMISTRESS: “Coulthurst emphasizes self-reliance, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of love in this satisfying tale” — Publishers Weekly
Praise for INKMISTRESS: “Asra’s rich emotions in the face of difficult choices in this coming-of-age saga will absorb audiences.” — Booklist
Praise for INKMISTRESS: “Engag[es] teens in a mystical world of darkness and blood magic. Fans of dragons, dark magic, and romance will embrace this novel.” — School Library Journal
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “A powerful and exquisite love story” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “A deeply romantic, bold, and nuanced fantasy. You will be captivated by Denna and Mare and their star-crossed love for each other.” — Malinda Lo, Author of Ash and Huntress
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “Lovely…a worthy debut that succeeds as both an adventure and a romance.” — Booklist
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “Murder, mayhem, magic, romance—and horses…a romantic fantasy that will appeal to those who appreciate character-driven novels.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “I devoured Of Fire and Stars in two sittings; it’s a delightful debut, full of all the things I like best in a fantasy story, including not one but two wonderful heroines. I’m looking forward to seeing what Audrey does in the future!” — Mercedes Lackey, New York Times bestselling author of over 125 books, including the Valdemar series
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “Coulthursts’s debut is an absolute delight; I loved seeing these smart, fierce princesses fall in captivating, slow-burn love as they investigate political assassinations and unravel magical conspiracies.” — Corinne Duyvis, author of Overbound and On the Edge of Gone
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “Romantic, compelling, and bursting with fascinating characters, Of Fire and Stars is the fantasy novel we’ve all been waiting for.” — Amy Tintera, author of Ruined
Praise for OF FIRE AND STARS: “Romantic, compelling, and bursting with fascinating characters, Of Fire and Stars is the fantasy novel we’ve all been waiting for.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)