The Sin Eater's Daughter

Starred review from December 1, 2014
This dark fantasy, Salisbury’s debut, transports readers to a kingdom ruled by a terrifying mad queen, the product of generations of incest, who has her enemies hunted down and torn apart by hounds. Seventeen-year-old Twylla, the prince’s betrothed and the human embodiment of the daughter of the gods, endures her duties at court—which include executing traitors with a mere touch of her poisonous skin—in hopes that money sent home will better her younger sister’s life. Though the clear-sighted prince hopes to enlist her as an ally against his cruel mother, Twylla begins to fall for her fearless and skeptical new guard, Lief, who reveals a shocking twist about Twylla’s position. In a triumph of characterization, Salisbury makes the path of duty represented by the prince and that of passion represented by Lief equally compelling. In addition to creating vivid and varied characters, Salisbury has a talent for worldbuilding, populating her world with shiver-inducing legends, original customs, and political and religious debates. First in a trilogy, this novel leaves many questions unresolved, but the open ending is nonetheless satisfying. Ages 14–up. Agent: Claire Wilson, Rogers, Coleridge & White.

Twylla lives in a castle among those who consider her the human embodiment of a goddess. Narrator Amy Shiels brings concern and angst to Twylla's voice as she expresses her distrust of the royal family she's been raised in. This slowly unfurling YA fantasy takes a while to get rolling. Twylla is unable to touch anyone--if she does, the person will die--and when she starts to fall for her guard, she's torn between duty and love. Shiels's narration keeps the story exciting and balances political intrigue, an evil queen, and a love triangle in an engaging way. This is a good choice for listeners looking for a slow-paced listen with chilling characters and an open ending. S.B.T. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

July 1, 2015

Gr 8 Up-Part dark fantasy and part romance, this is the story of Twylla, whose destiny has been predetermined. Once in line to become the Kingdom of Lormere's next sin eater, she is handpicked by the ruthless queen to be the Goddess embodied. Her new path will let her marry the prince but also deems her the kingdom's executioner. Her divine powers let her withstand poison but make her touch deadly, allowing her to be a pawn in the queen's treacherous games. When a new guard is assigned to protect Twylla, her eyes are slowly opened to the world she is living in. However, as lines blur, she is left to stand on her own and must fight for her destiny. While the middle of the story sags a bit under the details of Twylla's romantic trysts and the end seems underdeveloped, fans of romantic fantasy will be able to overlook these slight issues. Narrator Amy Shields does a fine job with tone to engage listeners. VERDICT Purchase this where fantasy and fairy tales are in demand.-Rebecca Flannery, Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon, CT

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