About the Book:
A dark, captivating YA tale of deception and survival, set in the same faery world as Nettle.
Long ago, kings and queens of the faery realms exchanged talismans with one another to maintain harmony in their world. The Stag King gave up a shard of antler, the Owl King a feather, and the Minnow Queen a shimmering, silver scale. But the Owl King has grown restless, and his kingdom has become dangerous as he feeds off the magic of others. Always he hunts for a new bride to sustain him.
When devoted sisters Ilsette and Lyla are summoned to court, the Owl King’s eye soon falls on the beautiful Lyla. Determined to save her sister from a terrible fate, Ilsette sets out on a quest to find the prized feather and change the balance of power.
Lyla bewitches the king with her stories, but time is running out. Meanwhile, Ilsette’s search leads her to a realm with two moons and scarlet stars. Here she must trick King Locryn into revealing the feather’s secret whereabouts, so she can steal it. She’s befriended by a strange magpie and two shadow faeries, but all the while, she faces an impossible truth — to save her sister, she must destroy peace among the realms.
*Review Contributed by Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*
This had me flying to the gameshelf and pulling out cards from Wingspan to prove look, here’s birds, I know birds!
Islette has always been wary of other fairies, but when the ruthless Owl King selects her sister Lyla as his next ill-fated bride, she risks everything to find the one thing which might free her. But clues from bedtime tales might hold deeper secrets, and it will take all of her courage, musical talent, and bargains with new allies to accomplish her goal before the moons fade. And unbeknownst to Islette, her Lyla has plans of her own.
This tale of sisters blends fairy tale and Scheherazadian magic – while Islette encounters wondrous and dangerous new fae, Lyla intrigues the Owl King with fables of the birds, their kindred people. Their quest dwells on the power of stories, the importance of owning mistakes, taking action when all options seem bittersweet, kindness rewarded by kindness, and unexpected love. There’s a half dozen or more short tales sprinkled throughout (best guess, I didn’t count) and I looked forward to each as much as the main story. I loved getting to explore a new kingdom within the fairy realms, told with what I’d now consider the author’s signature craft – beautiful descriptions and a knack for saying just enough.
Although this series can be read in any order, I enjoyed recognizing the returning characters and I think it is stronger with that context.
(And now, book 3 has been announced. Huzzah!)
*Find More Info & Buy It Here!*
