A benevolent fantasy that balances formidable challenges with light, life and hope.
She may not be queen of Predonia yet, but Briana loves her country and feels a solemn duty toward its people. Her homeland has been nothing but bedlam and turmoil since the ruthless man Vaylec assumed control of the land and people. With an unusual interest in the Blameless, those that can harness the power of magic, Vaylec holds nothing back in his conquest of Predonia. Princess Briana is taking it personally, and she has every right to be angry with what she’s been through. After her family was killed, she was forced into hiding, separated from her companions, taken captive, and barely escaped cruel Vaylec’s clutches. But this is her land, her people, her friends, and her responsibility. Briana will never cower before a man so barbaric that he forces his own sister into servitude, so the future queen trains and prepares for the task ahead. Her physical skills have been sharpened and her magic honed, but many lives are on the line and Briana won’t be able to face this enemy alone. She’ll have to rely on her friends and remaining family if there is to be any hope of salvation for the nation.
A stellar follow-up novel, The Tarnished brings back all the beloved characters, blooming magic, affectionate relationships and quirky locations from book one and follows the dramatic storyline of Predonia’s hostile takeover. Fantasy is shined up and given new inspiration with a protagonist whose motivation is born of tragedy, but shaped by love rather than seething hatred or revenge. Princess Briana is a warm and empathetic character that middle-grade readers will immediately become fond of due to her charisma and sincerity. While rulership is in her future, she never sets aside humility, friendship or her fierce sense of loyalty. Young Briana is gifted with many things, though her true strength lies not with weapons training or a magical ability to become invisible, but her gift at forming unbreakable bonds of friendship. These steady relationships help Briana from becoming swallowed up with grief as she deals with problems much bigger than herself. A benevolent fantasy that balances formidable challenges with light, life and hope, The Tarnished develops a solidly entertaining plot and is a pure delight to read.
