SEVEN DEADLY THORNS

Two young people must find answers before both their lives are forfeited.

The poisonous Mists have covered the land of Aragoa for almost two decades, forcing the survivors to remain sequestered in the magical protective dome around the castle. Viola, an 18-year-old commoner in her last year of schooling, is researching an old book in an ancient language that might reveal how to banish the Mists, finally freeing the kingdom. She must hide her identity as a meiga, or “wielder of magic,” since the Queen has ordered all magic-users be put to death. When her secret is revealed, Viola strikes a deal with “Prince Pompous, His Royal Heinousness” Roze Roquelart, who’s also the Queen’s assassin known as the Huntsman, to (temporarily) spare her life in return for her helping him find the person responsible for the king’s recent murder. A binding curse, a pretend engagement, a secret organization, ghosts, and the undead all complicate their mission. This story relies heavily on the enemies-to-lovers trope, with some minor influences from the traditional folktale “Snow White.” After some highly truncated exposition, the narrative jumps too quickly between momentous events, repeatedly moving on without appropriate resolutions or repercussions, leaving behind a moody miasma. The setting feels unclear, which will disappoint readers seeking a strong sense of place. Viola and Roze present white.

Tries to do too much.