The Diminished

by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson

Overview

In the Alskad Empire, nearly all are born with a twin, two halves to form one whole…yet some face the world alone

The singleborn

A rare few are singleborn in each generation, and therefore given the right to rule by the gods and goddesses. Bo Trousillion is one of these few, born into the royal line and destined to rule.

The diminished

When one twin dies, the other usually follows…or they become diminished, doomed to succumb to the violent grief that inevitably destroys everyone whose twin has died. Such is the destined fate of Vi Abernathy, whose twin sister died in infancy.

As their sixteenth birthdays approach, Bo and Vi face very different futures—one a life of luxury as the heir to the throne, the other years of backbreaking work as a temple servant. But a long-held secret and the fate of the empire are destined to bring them together in a way they never could have imagined.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781488030420
Publisher:	Harlequin
Publication date:	04/10/2018
Series:	The Alskad Empire Chronicles , #1
Sold by:	HARLEQUIN
Format:	eBook
Pages:	464
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Kaitlyn Sage Patterson grew up with her nose in a book near the Great Smoky Mountains. When she’s not untangling some particularly troublesome plot point, she can be found cooking elaborate meals, riding horses, or with her husband and their rescue dogs.

Editorial Reviews

"Rich worldbuilding... An intriguing premise and well-constructed setting anchor this fantasy debut." -Kirkus Reviews

"Two fierce young people battle a fiery landscape and vicious foes in a race for freedom. I was glued to my seat!" -#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce

"A fascinating and wholly original novel. Bo and Vi are fierce, complex characters, and I couldn't devour their story fast enough!" -Amy Tintera, New York Times bestselling author of Ruined

"Kaitlyn Sage Patterson's debut novel has strong and imaginative world-building and complex characters. With a splash of swoony romance and a thrilling conclusion, readers will be clamoring for the sequel." -Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Labyrinth Lost and The Vicious Deep trilogy

"Life and death, right and wrong, love and grief—Patterson's debut explores the dangerous nature of a world entrenched in dualities. This daring novel challenges the status quo beautifully." -Natalie C. Parker, author of Beware the Wild

"[A] character-driven narrative that champions self-determination and condemns xenophobia... Entertaining." -Publishers Weekly

"Readers are in for a wild ride...Patterson serves up an adventurous story with plenty of opulence in a richly designed world that fans of Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock will appreciate. Surprising alliances paired with themes that reflect modern struggles will remind readers of The Handmaid's Tale while remaining accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for teens." -School Library Journal

"Patterson seamlessly subverts traditional gender dynamics by having women succeed in many traditionally masculine roles, and same-sex relationships-integral to Alskad society-are treated in a matter-of-fact manner... This series starter is written with refreshing inclusiveness, and that makes it a worthwhile addition to fantasy collections." —Booklist

From the Publisher

2018-02-05
Most are born twins in the Alskad Empire—anything else can be dangerous.Since her twin died, Vi has been a ward of the temple in the city of Penby. Raised by the Suzerain, the religious order that rivals Queen Runa's power, Vi is also a diminished. More commonly known as "dimmys," these twins who have lost their siblings eventually become so grief-stricken that they lose their minds, behaving so violently that they are imprisoned or even executed. Elsewhere in Penby resides Bo, a singleborn boy who's lived a life of luxury as Runa's heir to the throne—until family secrets threaten to destroy the empire. After Vi is banished to the foreign, wild colonies of Ilor, Bo, traveling in disguise, sets out to locate her and solve the mystery of his lineage. Rival factions across the empire create more intrigue that envelops the teens. As the duo learn they may have more in common than they ever thought possible, they also discover their own strengths, loves, and sexuality. Vi and Bo are both white, and both are attracted to men. Other characters contribute to the diversity of ethnicity and sexuality in this story. Rich worldbuilding helps balance the slow, predictable narration told in Bo's and Vi's alternating voices.An intriguing premise and well-constructed setting anchor this fantasy debut. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Kirkus Reviews