A young woman, raised in obscurity and trained in magic, rescues a handsome boy and sets off to save her kingdom in this duology opener.In a kingdom where the only magical knowledge to escape centuries of tyrannical rule belongs to women, Shadow wants to go on adventures. She's connected to both the palace and the Guild, a group of mostly female magic-wielding assassins and adventurers. Unfortunately, her mother has just recalled her to court, where she'll be expected to wear fancy gowns and jewels and maybe be married off. Rebellious Shadow runs off to rescue Caledon Holt, the Queen's Assassin, who is bound to the Queen until he finds the hidden magic scrolls. Chapters alternate between Cal's and Shadow's perspectives as the pair reluctantly partner up to infiltrate a neighboring kingdom and root out the conspiracy trying to destroy Renovia. From perpetual frustration to all-in love, this is more about the romance than the world, although the worldwith strong women, marriage equality, and characters of varying skin tonescertainly has its strengths, lightly realized though it is. This is a classic plucky heroine fantasy in the vein of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore, with some modern tweaks.Pleasantly formulaic light fantasy with an appealingly strong female lead. (Fantasy. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Queen Lilianna of Renovia finds herself widowed with a new infant daughter after her husband, King Esban, sacrificed himself trying to recover the Deian Scrolls from the villainous Aphrasian sect. Through a magic ceremony, Lilianna binds advisor Cordyn Holt to her, ensuring his loyalty and that of his heirs to the task of recovering the scrolls; Cordyn's son, Caledon, known for both his brains and brawn, inherits the task. When Cal is thrown together with Shadow, a would-be assassin with magical powers, their blossoming romance is frustrated by the reveal of Shadow's true identity as Princess Lilac, daughter of Queen Lilianna. Shadow and Cal alternate chapter narration; hers is first person while his is third person, a nice touch that expands characterization. De la Cruz's trademark tight construction, detailed world building, and action-packed romance are all at work in this sure-to-be-popular new series. Magic, romance, political intrigue, and costume description abound. It may be formulaic, but it's a lot of fun.--Debbie Carton Copyright 2019 Booklist

Gr 9 Up--Magic, destiny, and warring kingdoms shape the lives of Caledon Holt and Shadow of the Honey Glade. Cal is the Queen's assassin, bound by blood to avenge the king's murder and return the coveted Deian Scrolls. Shadow, raised away from the palace to hide her true identity as the princess, has learned the magic of the Heathstone Guild and would rather use her skills to save the kingdom instead of serving as a lady of the Renovian Court. After Cal saves Shadow from a traitorous attack, she runs away to become his apprentice. Unaware of Shadow's true identity, Cal is both attracted to and infuriated by his headstrong companion. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest, full of royal intrigue and complicated by their feelings for each other. The story is told in the present tense from both Cal's and Shadow's perspectives, with occasional chapters explaining the history of the kingdoms of Avantine. The main and secondary characters are well drawn, and romantic pairings matter-of-factly include lesbian "aunts" and a gay couple. The action-packed narrative captures readers' attention from the start, expertly weaving plot twists, betrayal, magical elements, and traces of humor throughout. Scenes of violence are not overwhelming or gratuitous. The story is complete, but hints at a sequel. VERDICT A first purchase for fans of epic fantasy and dynamic heroines.--Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Renovia's King Esban believes the contents of the Deian Scrolls, which hold all written magical knowledge, should be made public. The monks who benefit from and guard them, however, aim to monopolize magic, take out Renovia's royals, and commandeer the throne. When Esban perishes while attempting to liberate the scrolls, his advisor, Queen's Assassin Cordyn Holt, swears a blood vow to finish the task. Regrettably, Cordyn dies before doing so, which means that his 19-year-old son, Caledon, must fulfill the promise. Meanwhile, Shadow, 18, who yearns for adventure and life as an assassin, receives orders to join the Queen at court. When Cal's crusade lands him in prison, Shadow runs away, hoping to stage a jailbreak and become Cal's apprentice. But, as Cal can attest, fate resists circumvention. After a dense, mythology-rich setup, de la Cruz (The Birthday Girl) shifts the tale's focus to Cal and Shadow's developing romance and their action-packed quest. Alternating narratives keep the pace zippy, and though the conclusion is abrupt and somewhat arbitrary, it neatly sets the scene for book two of this planned duology. Ages 14--up. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (Feb.)