Torn

by Rowenna Miller

Overview

"A gorgeous weave of romantic fantasy and urgent politics." —Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives

In an enchanting world of sartorial sorcery, court intrigue, and revolutionary royals, a charm caster finds herself torn between loyalty to her brother and her love for a nobleman as a rebellion sweeps the land in this French Revolution-inspired debut historical fantasy.

Sophie, a dressmaker and charm caster, has lifted her family out of poverty with a hard-won reputation for beautiful ball gowns and discreetly embroidered spells. A commission from the royal family could secure her future — and thrust her into a dangerous new world.

Revolution is brewing. As Sophie's brother, Kristos, rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement, it is only a matter of time before their fortunes collide.

When the unrest erupts into violence, she and Kristos are drawn into a deadly magical plot. Sophie is torn—between her family and her future.

In a time of revolution, everyone must take a side.

Praise for The Unraveled Kingdom:

“Miller places immigrant ambition and women’s lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever, and subtly fierce fantasy. —Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

“Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system....A well-executed historical fantasy debut whose author has a sharp eye for detail.” —Kirkus

“Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!” —Melissa Caruso, author of The Obsidian Tower

The Unraveled Kingdom
Torn
Rule
Fray

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316478625
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	03/20/2018
Series:	The Unraveled Kingdom , #1
Pages:	480
Sales rank:	394,886
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Rowenna Miller grew up in a log cabin in Indiana and still lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughters, where she teaches English composition, trespasses while hiking, and spends too much time researching and recreating historical textiles.

Editorial Reviews

02/12/2018
Miller’s disappointing fantasy debut, first of a series, sets an initially promising scene but doesn’t live up to it. Sophie Balstrade, a young business owner in class-stratified Galitha, must choose whether and how much to support her brother, Kristos, who heads a rapidly growing movement of the working poor. Sophie is reluctant to rock any boats for fear of losing the business that provides for her and Kristos—especially since she is a charmcaster as well as a dressmaker, and her magic is unusual in Galitha. The different factions, ethnicities, and background details of life are clearly and carefully portrayed, and Kristos and Sophie are vibrant characters. However, the evenhanded treatment of class issues soon tips decidedly toward the nobility. The nobles seen on the page are all well developed as characters, genuinely hardworking, and devoted to everyone’s best interests, while the leaders of the democracy movement are cardboard-cutout villains. The humanity of Sophie’s romance plot (with a noble in line for the throne) is a bright spot, but readers excited by the thought of a fantasy novel about class struggle may be disappointed by this story’s implicit lean toward monarchism and apparent distaste for the messiness of revolution. Agent: Jessica Sinsheimer, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"One of the best novels I've read this year! Torn is masterfully written — full of fascinating politics and compelling characters in a vividly rendered, troubled city. Sophie is a believable, layered, and wonderful heroine; her journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a joy to read. I absolutely loved this book!"—Sarah Beth Durst

"Torn challenges readers to thoughtfully consider all sides of social change by humanizing each perspective. Readers interested in classic fantasy, feminism, adventure, and a bit of romance will enjoy this thought-provoking book."—Booklist

"Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!"—Melissa Caruso

"A gorgeous weave of romantic fantasy and urgent politics."—Anna Smith Spark

"Miller places immigrant ambition and women's lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever and subtly fierce fantasy."—Tasha Suri

"A delight, woven through with rich detail. Magic, sewing, and an achingly good romance — what's not to love? A deeply satisfying read. I'm dying for the next one!"—Alexandra Rowland

"Miller deftly weaves a thrilling tale of revolution and turmoil in a complex fantasy world."—Cass Morris

"Real stakes combined with a clever, unique magic system."—B&N SciFi & Fantasy Blog

"Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system."—Kirkus

Highly recommend.... Fun, excitement, and magic all sewn into one amazing story.—The Speculative Herald

"Impossible to put down. I will be impatiently awaiting the sequel."—Books, Vertigo & Tea

"Positively enchanting.... I loved every page!"—Powder & Page

"[A] wonderful debut."—BookPage

"A joy to read.... Found myself swept away into the world and character."—Tenacious Reader

"I thoroughly enjoyed this story, especially the touch of magic added by the spell-casting through sewing.... The characters were well written, and the twist at the end is perfectly believable."—The Qwillery

"Deep, socially aware fantasy, plus a very cool magical system."—Deborah Ross

From the Publisher

2018-02-06
In Miller's debut novel, political revolution threatens the livelihood—and the principles—of a seamstress who sews enchanted clothes.Sophie Balstrade has made a comfortable life for herself in Galitha City despite her common birth and her descent from "backwater" Pellians. Her success as a seamstress is due to her hard work but also her magic: Sophie innovatively combines the traditional charms of her people with the cosmopolitan fashions favored by the Galatine upper crust. Though the demands of running her own business have isolated her from everyone but her brother, Kristos, and her shop assistants, Sophie is happy chasing prosperity on her terms…but her world is changing. Anti-monarchist sentiment simmers in the streets, the flames fanned by poverty, frustration, and rival states. Even as Sophie's artistry draws royal eyes and earns her welcome into the homes of the elite—and an introduction to dashing Duke Theodor—Kristos is leading a budding class war. And in a war, no one gets to stay neutral. Good intentions lead to desperate measures, first by the revolutionaries and then by Sophie herself, as she's blackmailed into joining an assassination attempt. The murder plot threatens Sophie's newfound friendships and her ethics: She's never used her magic to harm others, but now she has no choice. Can Sophie's ingenuity undo the dangerous thread tightening around the throats of everyone she loves, or will there be a price to pay no matter which side she chooses? Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system distinguish the story from similar offerings. The off-screen resolution of a major confrontation is slightly disappointing, and Theodor is a little too perfect a Prince Charming, but there's still plenty here to enjoy.A well-executed historical fantasy debut whose author has a sharp eye for detail.

Kirkus Reviews

Moira Quirk’s spellbinding narration gives this sparkling debut the perfect blend of excitement and charm. Trouble is brewing in Galitha City, where pampered nobles are pitted against working-class revolutionaries. Sophie, a magical seamstress who weaves charms into her creations, has made a name for herself in the highest echelons of society. She delights in her success but finds that her new status puts her at odds with her brother, a budding revolutionary. Quirk channels Sophie’s love for her brother and her pleasure at her own accomplishments. Delivering outstanding characterizations, Quirk evokes the fussiness of upper-crust ladies and the hotheaded bluster of young revolutionaries. Quirk’s flawless pacing will leave listeners breathless with anticipation as the city’s simmering unrest erupts into violence. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2018 - AudioFile

Moira Quirk’s spellbinding narration gives this sparkling debut the perfect blend of excitement and charm. Trouble is brewing in Galitha City, where pampered nobles are pitted against working-class revolutionaries. Sophie, a magical seamstress who weaves charms into her creations, has made a name for herself in the highest echelons of society. She delights in her success but finds that her new status puts her at odds with her brother, a budding revolutionary. Quirk channels Sophie’s love for her brother and her pleasure at her own accomplishments. Delivering outstanding characterizations, Quirk evokes the fussiness of upper-crust ladies and the hotheaded bluster of young revolutionaries. Quirk’s flawless pacing will leave listeners breathless with anticipation as the city’s simmering unrest erupts into violence. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2018 - AudioFile