The Crown's Game

April 15, 2016
Grades 9-12 Skye's debut is a delightfully engaging romance set in 1825 Russia, where magic is real, though few recognize it. The czar, needing more help than his human advisors can offer, sets into motion the Crown's Game, a means of finding and retaining an Imperial Enchanter who can help rule Russia. The two teenage contenders, Vika and Nikolai, engage in a contest of magic that determines who will win the coveted title. The catch is that the loser of the game will dieand that Vika and Nikolai (are you ready for this?) are powerfully attracted to each other. Skye skillfully incorporates Russian history, detailed and intriguing backstories for all protagonists, and inventive feats of magic by the two young enchanters. Colorful and imaginative ideas are fleshed out in a fast-paced plot, surprises come at nearly every chapter's end, and the comfortably predictable framework will satisfy romance fans. An author's note drops just enough tidbits tying the plot to actual Russian history to fascinate readers, and the deliberately mysterious ending hints at a sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

Starred review from March 1, 2016
A star-crossed pair is magically compelled to duel to the death in this sumptuous, Tolstoy-flavored fantasy debut. In 1825 the tsar of an alternate Russia desperately needs an Imperial Enchanter, and there are two possible candidates: bold (almost feral) Vika Andreyevna, of aristocratic lineage but raised in humble isolation; and fiercely ambitious Nikolai Karimov, born a poor Kazakh orphan but groomed for elegant St. Petersburg society. Despite their instant attraction, they are doomed to obey ancient tradition and compete in the Crown's Game. The winner will attain "unimaginable power"--but for the loser, instant death. Fiery Vika, who specializes in nature enchantments, is well-balanced by the calculating Nikolai, skilled in mechanics and artifice; their escalating magical displays cleverly showcase their opposing talents and personalities and how they complement rather than clash. Multiple points of view highlight the vivid secondary characters who play pivotal roles--as does a gorgeous, fairy-tale version of St. Petersburg, almost a character in itself. The plot is not so much dramatic as operatic, with masked balls, thwarted passions, fantastical feats, tortured love quadrangles, heartbreaking sacrifices, and vengeful secrets from beyond the grave. And, like many an opera, the climax is beautifully tragic, leading to a poignant, bittersweet epilogue with just enough bread crumbs to leave open the possibility of a sequel. Wildly romantic, wholly immersive, and gloriously over-the-top. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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March 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-In an alternate 19th-century Russia, the tsar can call upon the abilities of an enchanter. Normally, only one exists at a time. In the rare case that two are born, they must compete, because Russia's inherent magic will allow only one to remain alive. Vika is an expert at controlling the elements and has been training her whole life to serve her country, unaware that another enchanter exists. Nikolai, best friend to the tsar's son, Pasha, who does not know of Nikolai's ability, has been training with his mentor explicitly for the Crown's Game. When the game begins, Vika and Nikolai take turns showing off their magical prowess for the tsar, creating wonders that get more powerful with each turn. Friendships, budding romances, and betrayal among Nikolai, Vika, and Pasha make the stakes even higher in a Game that will cost Nikolai or Vika their life. The forefront of this speculative fiction title, the action-packed, magical duel, is set against the backdrop of a richly detailed world. It is not surprising that Pasha and Nikolai fall for Vika, though Vika's pragmatism stops anything from developing. The book ends with one winner remaining, but the final sentence hints that the loser has not disappeared forever. Readers will eagerly await the next installment. VERDICT A blend of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus (Doubleday, 2011) and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone (Holt, 2012), this work will make a solid addition to young adult collections.-Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Beautiful small-town girl Vika and brooding orphan Nikolai compete in a contest of magical showmanship to become the tsar's Imperial Enchanter. The big catch: the loser must die. Romance and betrayal between Vika and Nikolai and tsar's son Pasha heighten the stakes in this historical fantasy with a beguiling, theatrical alternateImperial Russia setting. Readers will be eager for the hinted-at sequel.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)