By Joshua Khan
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (April 12, 2016)
ISBN-10: 1484732723
ISBN-13: 978-1484732724
Publisher’s Blurb:
Thorn, an outlaw's son, wasn't supposed to be a slave. He's been sold to Tyburn, an executioner, and they're headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire.
Lilith Shadow wasn't supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But following the murder of her family, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers. Her country is surrounded by enemies and the only way she can save it is by embracing her heritage and practicing the magic of the undead. But how can she when, as a girl, magic is forbidden to her?
Just when it looks like Lily will have to leave her home forever, Thorn arrives at Castle Gloom. A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky.
My Thoughts:
This was fun. Lily is young—just thirteen—and is left to rule her land, a land that has always struggled. Her uncle and guardian is promoting her arranged marriage to the son of one of her greatest enemies, and he’s a total twit. What’s a girl to do?
All those things that people are afraid of—zombies, vampires, and the like—are part of daily life in Gehenna. No wonder Thorn is frightened half to death when he has to go there. But as he adjusts to life there, he finds that it’s not so bad. And Lily, far from being a stuck up princess, is actually pretty nice. So is political prisoner K’Leef. Thorn finds that, despite their very different social classes, they can be friends. Of course, he’s hampered by a secret that has had him on the run.
Overall, the narrative and plot are satisfying. Who is really behind the murder of Lily’s parents and brother makes sense. It is telegraphed adeptly—I figured it out pretty easily; younger readers might not be quite so quick. The plot moves quickly enough to keep readers interested.
It does bother me that Lily, left with only her drunk and somewhat incompetent uncle as family, is being forced to leave her home for a long betrothal to her enemy. She’s so young. Even though the wedding won’t take place for some time, her age at the time of the story just makes it awkward.
Possible Objectionable Material:
A variety of dark creatures, as mentioned above. Danger, murder, peril. Bullying.
Who Might Like This Book:
General readers, boys and girls, who like adventure and coming of age. Those who like things a little on the darker side. The suggested age range is appropriate.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
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