Her Sharp Embrace

Magical outlaws? Alchemy? And danger at every turn? Yes please!

Her Sharp Embrace by Katie Koenig is a YA fantasy novel that is set in the glittering city of New Soleil, where beauty masks danger at every turn. The Nightshades, a crew of magical outlaws, are no different. Their glamorous facades conceal the terror they strike into the hearts of the rich and powerful as they steal from the corrupt and fight for the forgotten. Noa Toussaint fled her cossetted life as a Saint to join the Nightshades. Infatuated with their ferocious leader, Lennon, Noa aims to capture her heart and keep it. Her talent for alchemy is valuable, but her connection to her family puts all of the Shades in danger. Now enemies are closer than Lennon knows and Noa must uncover the threat and keep them both alive. Because in a city where lies are lethal and magic is fading, secrets aren’t just costly—they’re deadly.

First things first, I must rave about Koenig's establishment of characterization. Noa easily became one of my favorite protagonist, right next to the likes of Cinder and Jude Durante, and I solely blame it on the fact that she is part of GIRL GANG. Now I don't know about you, but that seems like straight up feminism to me. (Taking down the patriarchy, one magical heist at a time). Regardless, Koenig also has a keen eye for creating a narrative that makes itself out to be more of a mystery novel than that of the promised fantasy novel.

Which leads me to the one downside of this novel, in that I wish the magic system was explored a bit more. I feel like Koenig spent a more time wanting to expand not only the underbelly of the subplot being a "whodunnit" but the queer romance as well. Which is all fine and all, but that made the fantastical elements a little lackluster and underdeveloped. Though I do have the preface that Her Sharp Embrace is only book one, so perhaps I'm wrong and Koenig will continue to expand on her magical girl gang in the following novels.

Nonetheless, Her Sharp Embrace is a perfect novel for someone needing a little more Six of Crow in their lives. Or its perfect for someone who needs a gentle reminder that family love is just as important of romantic love.