SFF

A Crown of Ivy and Glass

Sourcebooks Casablanca. (The Middlemist Trilogy, Bk. 1). May 2023. 560p. ISBN 9781728231990. $25.99. FANTASY
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DEBUTLady Gemma Ashbourne presents herself as a perfect society darling representing her powerful and well-respected family, but she is the only Ashbourne with no magic. In fact, her body treats magic like poison, making her health a constant struggle in a world full of enchantment. After a disastrous visit to her sister, who is exiled to the Middlemist, where she protects their world from monsters, Gemma meets handsome and kind Talan d’Astier. His family was destroyed by a demon, and he offers to help Gemma with the demon that might be trying to destroy her own. In return, Gemma must help him restore his family in the eyes of the Queen and the rest of society. Holding up both ends of their bargain forces Gemma and Talan to masquerade as a couple, yet Gemma fears that the dangers within and around her might just destroy her.
VERDICT Best-selling YA author Legrand’s (Lightbringer) first novel for adults is full of high stakes for her characters and detailed fantasy worldbuilding with interesting mythology for readers. It will appeal to older teens and adults.
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