Review Detail

"The Sin Eater's Daughter" takes place in the kingdom of Lormere, which is ruled by inbred royalty who are closest to the gods, Daeg and Naeht, who rule the day and night respectively. Naeht betrayed Daeg, laying with him and turning everything into eternal night, but she became pregnant with Daunen, who was given their powers and restored balance. She is reincarnated when the kingdom needs her and is recognizable by red hair, singing voice, and ability to drink poison without being harmed and to kill with a touch.

Twylla is young, training to be her mother's apprentice, when she learns that she is Daunen reincarnated and whisked to the palace. Her mother is the Sin Eater and as such, she eats good symbolic of the deceased's sins such that they may ascend without the burden of their sins.
Although Twylla had hoped for such a change, she soon learns her new job is not what she would have hoped, as she is at the queen's mercy and forced to kill on demand, beginning with her only friend at a young age. She is also betrothed to the prince, as even though they do not share parents, the queen and her husbands have not been able to have a second child.

This book is really fabulous, a fast paced and remarkable fairytale for a new era. Twylla is easy to like and her perspective is perfect to set up this kingdom and its problems. The romance that builds is very believable and heartwarming. There were many twists at the end that I did not see coming-it was fascinating to read. The book deals with some big issues, like the function of religion and honesty. It's a great fantasy in the vein of Maas and others who capture your attention in a world built of new fairytales. I enjoyed every second of it and can't wait to read the next!