I only knew two things about this book when it came out; it was by Evelyn Skye, author of The Crown’s Game duology, which I read in December, and that it was a book about ninjas (or in this case, taigas). That’s it. And yet, after just one page, I knew it was so much more. The banter alone deserves a 10 out of 10. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the world of Kichona and the magic system Skye created.
Like many fantasy YA novels, Kichona is ruled by the imperial family with the direct blessing from the Gods. But you know what stood out? The idea that their emperors and empresses didn’t wear crowns.
“Empress Aki didn’t need a crown; members of the Ora family were born with the gleaming colour of royalty already upon their heads.”
Almost all novels with royalty have descriptions that are borderline excessive about their rich and aristocratic lifestyles, and yet Skye chose to take a different direction and it was this simplicity that really started to get me into the story because this set it apart from so many others before it.
Another element, albeit small was the idea of white being the colour of mourning. I liked this spin because it was original and it shed light on the world as being one based on optimism. The people of Kichona preferred to mourn in light rather than grieve in the dark. Original and creative.
And if this world wasn’t already hell-bent on contrast, the black shrouded taigas are surrounded by a bright and vivid world with a crystal rose palace to protect. The imagery in here is insanely well written!
“Aki had the distinct sensation that she was swimming in deceptively calm waters but about to be carried out to sea by a riptide.”
This points out how perceptive the Empress is and this stood out. She’s not a ruler who takes a back seat on decisions and she is unafraid to call out tradition if it’s not working and that was insanely refreshing. She is definitely a ruler free of corruption and immune to the charms of power.
“Suddenly, a shock wave rattled his gemina bond and colored it black, like ink injected into water.”
There are tons of great examples of how well-written this book is and the best part is how it doesn’t complicate the read. The imagery and description are light and helps drive the story without bogging it down which is especially hard when crafting a new world for readers to dive into. This again speaks to Skye’s ability to write.
Along with building Kichona, she also created a new magic system that had a distinct line between good and bad. The taigas magic draws from the natural abilities of animals, like using the speed of a cheetah or the ability to climb walls like a spider and this was so unique to me and it shows that they value what nature has to offer them. Whereas the Ryuu use the magic they see around them to coerce a more elemental type of magic like manipulating the sea or wind. The Ryuu magic is one built on destruction and the Taigas magic is used to help keep the peace and having them different makes this a more interesting read because it doesn’t get boring. They use tons of different skills throughout that really showcases how they perceive their magic and you can see the clear line between good and evil.
Taigas are also given names that specifically hint towards their personality and I found that both adorable and another element that made it easier to follow the story. For example, Fairy. She’s given the nickname because she is petite and pretty like a pixie but has the clever and trickster personality associated with fairies.
“That’s right because if anyone kisses and tells, I’ll rip out his manhood and serve it to him on a platter. Right?”
She’s an underestimated flirt who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She is also very brave and like I said hilarious to read! I am definitely looking forward to reading more about her in the sequel because she is a delight. And her gemina, Broomstick (it’s a long story) is a sweetie!
Almost every single character develops as the plot plays out but the most notable one would have to be main character, Sora. In the very beginning she is basically throwing away her talents and focusing on silly pranks. And by the end she’s taken on so much, it seems like she’s a different person altogether. I won’t spoil because these are twists and turns that need to be a surprise because the shock value is insane.
But one thing that many seem to be wondering about is if this book has romance. And I’ll tell you right now that it does. An unconventional one where it’s more about friends and sticking together through thick and thin but there is a love triangle that forms near the end and it will make you grip the book even harder and wish you had the sequel on stand-by, because you will want to know how it plays out. I’ll give you hint though, there’s a forbidden love at the center that seems to be one-sided and an inner struggle that they face because geminas are forbidden from being together. What romance there is, I promise you, is both adorable and heart-wrenching.
“But your majesty, this is the purpose of the taigas. We serve you and the kingdom, whatever and however you need. You must stay alive and with your wits about you if Kichona is to survive Prince Gin’s attacks. As one of your soldiers, it would be my honour to do this for you and our kingdom.”
If I could sum up this book with one word it would be loyalty. There are four taigas who seem to be fighting for all of Kichona and they are fearless. They rely on one another and know that there is a huge possibility that they could die and yet they follow through because they love their people and their home.
“And they’d always said that if they were going to die, they wanted to die fighting together. All four of them.”
These taigas are full of honour and loyalty! This is definitely a story that involves death and bloodshed and these characters know it and yet, they don’t run, they stay and fight and this will definitely make a few cry. It’s powerful stuff, I warn you now. Any fans of the Musketeers BBC show will love this book! They share a lot in common and loyalty is found at its core. So if you’re fan of the show or end up liking this book check out the other because it’s very similar! The humour will not disappoint either.
“Broomstick stepped up beside him, glanced over, and put his fists over his heart. No words were necessary. Daemon nodded and mirrored the gesture. They were sacrifices. But they would go down fighting.”
There are scenes that definitely rip your heart out like this once above but it is worth it! This book deserves a 10 out of 10. It was brilliant and different with witty banter, strong characters and a plot filled with twists and turns to keep you on your toes. There are so many elements that make this novel unique and an absolute treasure. I recommend reading her other series that takes place in Russia called, The Crown’s Game because it too has a battle of two very different magics that is definitely anything but boring. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves seeing unique magic because if there’s one thing that I know, it’s that Skye can write about magic without it being dull or dry.
Circle of Shadows is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Sora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied around his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas—marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.
As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging in the elite group—but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it’s been difficult to make their mark.
So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group. Taking this risk will change Sora’s life forever—and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she’s ever loved.
Love, spies, and adventure abound as Sora and Daemon unravel a complex web of magic and secrets that might tear them—and the entire kingdom—apart forever.
