Thief's Cunning

April 15, 2017
Allegra Saldana, from Assassin's Heart (2016), is full-grown and plunged into new dangers.An invitation comes from the king of Lovero, summoning the Saldana presence out of exile, to swear fealty as one of the nine clipper Families to his daughter now that the princess has come of age. Allegra's especially excited at the chance to finally learn more about her parents, whose fates were covered in the first book and whom Allegra's aunt Lea refuses to speak of. When Allegra learns the truth, however, she's devastated, and her whole sense of identity is undermined. The repetitive prose from the first book is more effective here when read through the lens of a conflicted character who's replaying what she knows to try to make up her mind. She also throws herself into the arms of a handsome traveler boy, Nev, for comfort in steamy hook-ups that feel like a deep connection--until Nev spots Allegra's pendant, a gift from her half-traveler uncle, Les: it's sacrilege when the singura's worn by a nontraveler. Thematically, love and freedom are set in compelling opposition. The climactic battles thrill. Allegra's a blonde, white woman, and, borrowing further from Romani tropes, Nev's olive-skinned, a traveler characteristic; otherwise both racial and sexual diversity are common and unremarkable in this fantasy. A well-realized fantasy with strong action and romance. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-Set 18 years after Assassin's Heart, this work features Allegra Saldana, the niece of Lea Saldana, the protagonist of the first book, as she becomes involved in a more mature relationship with Nev, the Traveler boy who is free from the chains of Allegra's world, where she is a hunted assassin. While the Saldanas were once the most feared assassins, now they are the most sought after. This companion novel reveals the answers to Allegra's questions about being part of one of the most infamous families of assassins. As the truth about her family is exposed, readers, along with Allegra, will be surprised at the outcome. The Da Vias are still the number one enemy of the Saldanas and are seeking revenge, but this time their vengeance comes with a price as Allegra is kidnapped and taken to a land where secrets about her family are uncovered. Just as the first title was full of fantasy and adventure, this companion does not disappoint. While the previous volume may have been appropriate for a middle school audience, this one will appeal to older teens. VERDICT Older fans of the previous installment will tune in as it becomes clear how Allegra and her family became such legendary assassins. Purchase where the author's debut is popular.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.