Circle of Shadows

A thrilling new fantasy series full of magic and betrayal—from Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of the Crown’s Game series.

Sora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied around his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas—marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.

As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging in the elite group—but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it’s been difficult to make their mark.

So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group. Taking this risk will change Sora’s life forever—and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she’s ever loved.

Love, spies, and adventure abound as Sora and Daemon unravel a complex web of magic and secrets that might tear them—and the entire kingdom—apart forever..

Genre: YA Fiction / Fantasy

Author: Evelyn Skye

Hardcover, 464 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd, 2019

Publishing House: Balzer + Bray

My Review

Work hard. Mischief harder.

Sora is an 18 year old taiga apprentice. She is in her last year of school and bound to Deamon, another apprentice and her gemina, through a mental connection. Both of them have been marked by the goddess Luna to be warriors and are trained in combat with magic abilities to serve the empire.

The Kingdom of Kichona has seen peace in the last decade, since the defeat of Prince Gin in the Blood Rift. Ruled by the benevolent Empress Aki, taigas and citizens have rebuild their lives and flourished since.

Sora’s and Deamons’ first station of duty in a nearby sleepy town seems boring and quiet at first. They decide to take a trip to Sora’s parents for dinner and visit her younger sister’s grave. Sora is deeply saddened about her loss and Deamon shares the burden. He has been adopted by a wolf family without ever knowing who is parents were or why he was given up. Together they visit the Takish Gorge to honor his roots when they come across soldiers controlling local Kichonan citizens. What they witness and have to endure till they reach and warn the Empress, is nothing short of a thrill ride with backstabbing twists, sacrifice and deadly magic.

***

This novel was fantastic. An outstanding YA read filled with true friendship, startling action scenes and heartfelt moments. The elemental fusion of Japanese and European folklore gave away to a mystic atmosphere with legends, rulers, castles and magic.

This book kept me glued to the pages. The writing is flawless and I enjoyed every bit of it. I read a mixed variety of genres, YA is only a small part of it and I try to keep in mind that I am not a targeted audience for this book. So I am almost more critical in a way. But I am a fan! It is the best YA novel I have read in months and I can see this doing very well. I will most certainly recommend it to any YA reader that I know.

I am still swooning ecstatically!