June 1, 2024
Gr 9 Up-In a book that picks up right where Stardust in Their Veins left off, Beatriz, Violie, and Daphne are in more danger than ever. Waking up in Cellaria, Beatriz is once again facing a forced marriage, enmeshed in the game Gigi, Nico, and her mother are playing. The question isn't who she can trust, but who she can use. Meanwhile, in Friv, Daphne is finally going to face her mother head-on, but can she best the Empress while fighting the part of herself that still yearns for a mother's love? The political intrigue is better than ever in the final installment of this character-driven trilogy. Fans of slow-burn romances will finally get their moment, as well as enjoy the accurate portrayal of sisterly affection. Although the final reckoning with the Empress lacks a punch, the resolution between the sisters is heartfelt. The introduction of a new character in the third act may feel a bit too convenient, but the series nevertheless ends on a fulfilling note. VERDICT Love and machinations run rampant in a satisfying end to the trilogy. For collections where the first two installments are popular.-Elisha Sheffer
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