April 24, 2017
As the “Given,” Khosa has been bred to dance to her death in the sea, an offering to protect the land of Stille. When an opposing army rises up, prematurely driving Khosa from her home before she has given birth to the next Given, she becomes a captive. Forming an unlikely alliance, Khosa, Prince Vincent, and his adopted siblings try to separate myth from real danger and change Khosa’s fate using historical records. McGinnis (The Female of the Species) creates a lush, oceanic fantasy world, writing Khosa as a smart young woman with far more to offer than just her body. Other characters’ focus on her womb borders on obsession, and the fixation on legend leads to brutal threats of rape in the name of salvation. Superstitions run high, and seers are relied on to guide kings, but the threats of impending invasion and a world being slowly swallowed by the sea are eclipsed by dueling love triangles. The story abruptly shifts course at the end, suggesting that all must make sacrifices for the greater good. Ages 14–up. Agent: Adriann Ranta, Foundry Literary + Media.
February 15, 2017
Multiple perspectives reveal the story of several people--and a kingdom--in turmoil.Khosa is the Given, destined to sacrifice herself to the sea for the sake of her kingdom. Her village attacked, she escapes Pietra leader Witt and his hordes for the royal city so she can do her duty. There, she meets Vincent, third in line to the throne, as well as his adopted Indiri siblings, Donil and Dara. Both Vincent and Donil fall for fragile Khosa, but it's Donil who captures her affections--the only person whose touch doesn't repel her. Meanwhile, fierce Dara has feelings for Vincent but knows a speckled-skinned Indiri can never sit the throne with him--and, as one of two of the last of her race, she is obsessed with finding another Indiri male. But this book isn't just about love triangles (or squares): themes of duty and fate are thickly woven into the fabric of this tale as each character grapples with balancing moral obligation against desire. With the present-tense narration rotating, in first person (for Khosa and Vincent) and third (for Witt and Dara), among the members of the deftly drawn cast, readers see how they all deal with this tension differently--and credibly, until the rather arbitrary climax. This is an immersive, violent fantasy world (rape is attempted in the novel) with a white default. This well-paced, thoughtful story will have readers eager for the sequel. (Fantasy. 14-adult)
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April 1, 2017
Gr 7 Up-The people of the kingdom of Stille enjoy exceptionally long, peaceful lives thanks to the sacrifice of the Given, a young woman who is raised only to have a daughter and then give herself to the sea as an offering. This practice has kept the danger of the sea at bay for many generations. There are challenges to this tradition, however, when the people of Pietra and Fineen start to scheme against the tranquil kingdom of Stille. Life is further complicated when the Given is unexpectedly driven from her home to escape these invading enemies and becomes a guest at the Stille palace. She is confused about her growing feelings for the Stille prince and his adopted brother as well as her role in ensuring the safety of the Stille kingdom. Her emotions, and the entire Given tradition, may be moot with an encroaching sea and a changing environment. The novel is told from four different points of view, and it is initially challenging to connect with any of the many characters. The book is confusing on occasion, as some of the character voices are in the first person and the other perspectives are in the third person. Eventually, the flawed heroes, relatable villains, and creative storytelling will pull in readers. The threads weave together, culminating in an eagerly anticipated conclusion. However, the plot points are addressed quickly, with battles over before they begin and complex love triangles packed up in a few pages. VERDICT A solid recommendation for romance readers and a good purchase for larger collections.-Paige Rowse, Needham High School, MA
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 Four neatly interlocking narratives build a riveting story about destiny. Long ago, a tidal wave wiped out the kingdom of Stille. Since then a young woman known as the Given is sacrificed to the sea after producing the next Given, leaving her infant daughter to be raised for the same fate. Now, most believe this human sacrifice is the only thing keeping the kingdom safe. Khosa, the Given, is one of the narrators; the others are Prince Vincent, heir to the Stille throne; the Indiri twins, Dara and Donil (adopted by the royal family and raised with Vincent); and Witt, leader of the harsh and violent Pietra people seeking war with Stille. There's plenty of gore, romance, plot twists, and cliff-hangers, but readers will also find thoughtful challenges to racism, misogyny, and crueltyplus a strong feminist element, too. The evocative cover (featuring the Given on a balcony with waves rushing toward her) will draw fantasy fans, who will eagerly await the next title in the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2018
As groups clash and war looms, a prince, a religious sacrifice, magical twins, and the leader of an enemy nation alternately narrate this novel. Superstition and heartbreak threaten them as much as the sea that continues rising. Short chapters make for brisk pacing; a love quadrangle overshadows the fantasy's more intriguing political drama, which emphasizes duty and sacrifice.
(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)