A Season of Sinister Dreams

May 10, 2021
When pale-skinned Lady Annalise unintentionally unleashes her magic upon Prince Kendrik, heir to the kingdom of Tyne’s throne, she positions herself to be queen. Annalise wants to replace brutal King Alder, whose determination to stay alive a decade after the Sickness has meant that all magic workers in the kingdom are forced to heal only the king. But Annalise’s desire to help Tyne’s neglected citizens is thwarted when visions seen by freckled, gray-eyed Evra, 17, the first female Clearsee, or “prophet of doom,” suggest that Annalise is not what she appears. Accompanied by best friend Tamsin and her protective brother Hagan, Evra finds herself far from village life as she travels to warn the king, since her visions show a golden-yellow wolf threatening the throne. But when Evra loses nearly everything to Annalise’s wrath, she must learn to control her perceptive abilities and rely on friendship—and a mysterious figure in her dreams—to survive. Banghart’s (Queen of Ruin) prose is sharp, with detailed descriptions of royal life. While the plot meanders in places, alternating viewpoints offer gripping conflict while gender dynamics, power plays, and unexpected romance maintain intrigue. Ages 14–up. Agent: Pam Gruber, Irene Goodman Literary.