The Crown of Embers

Starred review from July 30, 2012
Carson’s sequel to her debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, is a superb fantasy built around an exceptional heroine. Just months after leading her adopted country to victory against the sorcerers of Invierne, 17-year-old Queen Elisa has to deal with spies, a possible traitor in the palace, and pressure from her own council to marry or cede power to a regent. Additionally, the Inviernos are back, and they want her to sacrifice herself willingly to them, or they will rain destruction and death on her people. Dodging attempted assassination and kidnapping, Elisa is pulled by the mysterious Godstone embedded in her navel to find the zafira, the soul of the world and the source of its magic, embarking on a gripping journey that ramps up the tension and sets up the finale. Carson avoids the dips that often haunt bridge books: expert pacing and well-drawn characters are masterfully integrated with Elisa’s continued growth as she deals with the shifting political situation, resulting in a dramatic and gratifyingly romantic novel that smoothly follows its predecessor. Ages 13–up. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary Agency.

March 1, 2013
Gr 8 Up-The skirmish with Inviernos is over, but Chosen One Queen Lucero-Elisa's struggles continue. King Alejandro is dead, leaving Elisa sole ruler until Prince Rosario comes of age. Additionally, she has yet to fulfill-or even understand-the destiny that awaits her at the enemy's gates. Surviving Inviernos Animagi covet her godstone's powers, and her own people doubt her ability to fulfill her royal duties. Worse, there's a traitor in her midst. Fleeing both suitors and assassins, and inspired by a forgotten religious text, Elisa embarks on a quest to find the mythical Zafira, the source of her godstone's powers and the gate of life. But this journey won't be easy. In the second book (2012) in her trilogy, Carson proves adept at building beautifully imaginative worlds and populating them with rich and complex characters. Narrator Jennifer Ikeda is equally proficient at bringing these worlds and their inhabitants to life. Unfortunately, this sequel doesn't conjure the same magic as "Girl of Fire and Thorns" (2011, both Greenwillow). Although war is a main plot point, Elisa's attitude towards it feels too detached for one who lost so much. Also, Elisa's overall behavior-indecisive, vulnerable, insecure-seems a step backward from the immense strength she gained in the previous book. The leisurely meandering plot and unresolved sexual tension between Elisa and Hector will likely frustrate action-hungry listeners. A cliffhanger will have listeners awaiting the finale.-"Alissa Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI"

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2012
Grades 9-12 The sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011) immediately plunges the reader back into Elisa's life and thoroughly imagined world, in which she must take charge of herself and of her people as their new ruler. The magic Godstone carried in her belly continues to guide her decision-making when she is faced by questions of whom to trust and where to seek powerful aid. In this episode, love blooms between 17-year-old Elisa and her personal guard, Hector, a romance that is fraught not only by apparent differences in station but also by enemy spies and the jealous ministrations of Elisa's lifelong nurse. Caron's world building and character development do not lag in this middle part of a trilogy, and the heat of the love story makes this accessible even for those who have yet to read the first volume (although they will then race for it). Both religion and politics play roles that invite discussion, and Elisa, not only brave but brilliant, tracks her own growing awareness with a self-consciousness credible for her age.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)