Rise of the Vicious Princess

Seventeen-year-old Princess Charis Willowthorn of Calera assumes the throne when an assassin injures her mother, Queen Letha, in Redwine’s (The Blood Spell) scintillating duology opener. Calera, a coastal matriarchal society, is at war with the landlocked kingdom of Montevallo, which wants control of Calera’s northern ports. Though guards kill both Letha’s assailant and a spy hiding in Charis’s chambers before they can be interrogated, Charis and those closest to her assume both were sent by Montevallo’s King Alaric Penbyrn, particularly after his soldiers advance toward Calera’s capital. Believing it’s the only way to protect her people, Charis launches a brutal attack that decimates Montevallo’s army, but when a seemingly separate entity begins sinking supply ships bound for Calera, Charis fears that Montevallo isn’t the only nation determined to conquer hers. Redwine skillfully crafts well-rounded characters and an action-packed plot, resulting in a nuanced political fantasy that’s rife with court intrigue. Charis—fierce and formidable, yet altruistic—is exquisitely drawn, and her tender, developing relationship with bodyguard Tal adds emotional complexity to the breathlessly paced tale. Main characters cue as white; varying skin tones suggest racial diversity throughout. Ages 13–up. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary. (June)