The Traitor's Kiss

Starred review from March 13, 2017
Beaty’s engrossing debut introduces 16-year-old Sage Fowler, who is sent to apprentice with a matchmaker, Darnessa Rodelle, after her Uncle William declares her unmatchable. Sage is initially livid about this turn of events, but she realizes that the apprenticeship might be her ticket to freedom. Soon, Mistress Rodelle, Sage, and a bevy of brides-to-be set off on a monthlong journey to the capital city of Tennegol, where the girls hope to be matched, with Capt. Alexander Quinn and his soldiers as escorts. When a plot to overthrow the king is discovered, Quinn seeks to use Sage as a spy. The frippery of matchmaking provides an enticing counter to the treachery; Sage is outspoken, smart, and determined to make her own way, though all bets are off after she meets the intriguing Ash Carter. This is an action-packed, expertly plotted story, drenched in double crosses and intrigue, with an irresistible heroine and a sweet and sexy romance. A late-breaking twist gives way to a final act that will leave readers eager for subsequent books in this planned trilogy. Ages 14–up. Agent: Valerie Noble, Donaghy Literary.

April 1, 2017
Marital and martial matters collide when brides and spies become ensnared in a treasonous plot. A matchmaker's apprentice, 16-year-old Sage Fowler accompanies a bevy of noble brides on their way to the quinquennial Concordium. Not a bastard--despite her botanical name--but an orphaned poor relation, the unmarriageable, white Sage cannily observes servants and ladies until her spycraft catches the attention of the military and the mysterious, "dusky"-complexioned Ash Carter. The brides' escort of royal soldiers (and incognito royalty) provides protection...and also seeks to stop an impending revolt by disgruntled nobles and a raid by desperate--if one-dimensionally barbaric--Kimisar bandits. Soon, Sage and the soldiers must save the brides, the prince, and the kingdom. As indicated by cuisine and clothing, Demora is a pre-industrial, vaguely European nation bound by marriage and divided by class. Sage is a clever, contrary female protagonist who remains realistic and likable, while her fellow protagonist Ash is enigmatic enough to require a second read. Debut author Beaty overcomes a pedestrian fantasy premise and built world through her complex characterization, deftly layered adventure story, and balanced blend of political maneuvering, romantic interludes, and action scenes. This is one series opener that really merits a sequel. Both epic and intimate, a semi-old-fashioned alternative to the wave of inexplicably lethal superheroines and their smoldering love triangles. (Adventure. 14-adult)

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June 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-A debut novel that blends fantasy, romance, and battlefield action. Sage Fowler's stubbornness keeps her from a marriage match, but her keen eye lands her a job as the matchmaker's apprentice. Tasked with surveying a caravan of brides, Sage assumes a false identity. Meanwhile, Captain Quinn's rookie mistake dooms his company to the group's escort duty. But a treacherous threat looms. Sage's secret position and the military's urgent mission become irreversibly intertwined. Readers will be rewarded when the romantic chemistry heats up and a spy's true character is revealed in this character-driven story. The short chapters keep the perspectives changing, but the pace and the world-building feel gradual at times. Unfortunately, Beaty employs problematic tropes, such as "dark-skinned" foreign invaders, and Sage and the brides exhibit misogyny. VERDICT A slow burn YA fantasy with clever genre mixing but some troublesome underlying elements. Not recommended.-Elizabeth Nolan, San Jose Public Library, CA

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