Fray

April 1, 2019
Miller (Torn, 2018) returns readers to a world of political upheaval and revolution, following a seamstress with magical gifts as she struggles to find the role she must play. Previously, commoner Sophie Balstrade's greatest daily concern was increasing the clientele of her upscale clothing shop, where she made charmed gowns for fine ladies. But her life has changed: Now she is engaged to the crown prince of Galitha, Theodor, whose proposed reforms are poised to transform the country and grant commoners more rights. While some nobility support Theodor, many oppose yielding any of their power--and hold Sophie in contempt. Some even accuse her of ensorcelling Theodor with her charm-crafting. Sophie and Theodor's love is tested by malicious rumors and political consequences, but there's more than just love at stake: As Theodor's betrothed, Sophie must play princess-to-be, navigating the treacherous waters of high society and political intrigue. A diplomatic summit goes disastrously wrong when Sophie and Theodor are betrayed and Sophie becomes the target of an assassination attempt. But Sophie is discovering more than just political treachery: The domestic magic by which Sophie's made her living is turned to far more warlike goals in other countries. As Theodor's father, the king, sides with the nobles against the peasantry, a civil war erupts in Galitha, and Sophie must determine if a common ground exists between her roles as revolutionary figure, royal-to-be, and charm caster--especially when she is asked to use her magic for more than she ever thought possible. As the second part of a series, the book lays the necessary groundwork for the next volume while still managing a tense plot and satisfying character development. This enjoyable installment maintains the innovative magic and well-handled conflict between the personal and the political that marked the series debut.

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Starred review from May 15, 2019
On the surface, Sophie Balstrade has it all: a thriving clothing shop, an engagement to the crown prince, and great skills in charm magic. But Sophie is still grieving the absence of her brother, who had to flee the country after his involvement in an attempted revolt. This attempted revolt did prompt Theodor, the crown prince and Sophie's betrothed, to propose reforms to laws and society that support giving the common people greater say in the government, and that are greatly opposed by many nobles, and the pushback is greater than Theodor or Sophie anticipated. Soon both Theodor and Sophie find themselves in great danger, unsure of their allies and facing a civil war. Fantasy fans, especially those who grew up reading Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series, will adore Sophie and be riveted as she navigates her shop, her new place in society, her love life, and a potential war. Miller (Torn, 2018) accomplishes the tricky task of keeping the action exciting and page-turning all the while setting up the third book in the Unraveled Kingdom series. Highly recommended for all libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)