Hello fellow book lovers!
This my first official book review on the blog, although I would say that there is nothing very “official” about it. I am an avid book reader but by no means a writer so please forgive my rather candid way with words. I am not a professional but I do love to share a good book with others, so without further ado, let’s dive in!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only use products and companies I love and trust. For more formation please read my disclosure policy*
The Sin Eater’s Daughter (Book 1 in a trilogy)
By Melinda Salisbury
YA Fantasy
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she’s engaged to the prince, Twylla isn’t exactly a member of the court. She’s the executioner. As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month, she’s taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla’s fatal touch, avoids her company. But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he’s able to look past Twylla’s executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla’s been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen. However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla’s problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?
My Thoughts
No Spoilers!
This book appealed to me initially because of the title and the jacket design. No matter what anyone says, looks draw you to books. The jacket art is colorful, mystical and intriguing, with a woman on the front in what looks like a bottle. Like most YA the main characters are barely adult age, being 17 and 18 years old. While it might be hard to relate to that age (my own being 29 for the last couple of years) the author portrays their mindset and actions as adults. While the location is a fictional one, the time period is medieval times. The main kingdom still appears to be living in a similar period to the ‘Dark Ages’ in which sickness and death were blamed on gods and humor balances, however, the surrounding realms have moved forward and adopted medicine and knowledge. The main character is Twylla, a 17-year-old girl that is told she will kill anyone who touches her bare skin; as such, she starts out in the book as being very introverted and withdrawn, living in fear and not really making any decisions. Her character progression is slow and even seems to backtrack once or twice into the timid personality from the beginning of the book. I think this was done mainly so the progression could continue into the next book in the series.
There ends up being two love interests (because who doesn’t love a love triangle). Leif, the dashingly handsome guard with the easy smile, and Merek, the harder to read but intriguing royal prince and Tywlla’s betrothed. However, it would appear that there is really only one until much later in the book. The supporting male roles are good, both having flaws and likable qualities. There are some intimate moments, although nothing in extreme detail.
The writing style is easy to read and flows well. The author’s descriptions are clear and often repeated throughout the book. Since sometimes it takes a few days or even weeks for a busy reader to get through one book, it is nice to have small reminders of character appearances or landmarks to keep a clear picture in the mind.
This book is the first in a trilogy and although it does not end on a cliffhanger, it leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. There are a few twists and an even tug of war between good and evil. This book was an easy read, a well-known story line of a female main character trapped in a life she has come to accept until a man comes along and upsets the norm. All in all, I thought it was worth the read and I am looking forward to continuing the series.
No Comments