Helpful Score: 3
This story starts off with the sad life of Lale, an orphan found on the banks of a river in a poor community. Treated abysmally by the village that found her, she finally leaves. It is no surprise that when she is taken in by a woman who grooms her and other orphans into spies and assassins, that Lale becomes very loyal to Makina (aka Mother), the ruler of Tamurin. Lale finds her family with the other girl trainees and works very hard for Mother's approval. Mother has very ambitious plans for Lale: to kill the King. Lale thinks she has no problems obeying, but after meeting and growing closer to him, it becomes harder and harder to go through with it.
I thought this was a very absorbing straight fantasy with strong female characters. And an interesting dilemma for the main character, especially reading about everything Lale experiences. I'd like to read more by this author but I haven't found anything else published by them yet.
I thought this was a very absorbing straight fantasy with strong female characters. And an interesting dilemma for the main character, especially reading about everything Lale experiences. I'd like to read more by this author but I haven't found anything else published by them yet.
This is a wonderful book. I've read it dozens of times and I've always managed to discover something new each time. The author is really creative and unique, combining a perfect balance of romance, adventure, and mystery. The author really grabs your attention with the first paragraph, and everything just builds from there. It was really hard to put this book down, and the best part is you won't be disappointed with the ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little bit of romance, a little adventure, and a little mystery.
She was only eleven years old and an orphan, yet the people of Lale's village hated her and drove her into the wilderness. Cast out, she followed her destiny to a place of dark and shadowy purposes, a school for foundling girls in the land of Tamurin. There Lale found affection, sisterhood and a home...and a profession that may cost her everything she loves. Driven by the darkest sorcery, she must conceal the truth of what she truly is...
