The Shattered Court

March 23, 2015
Scott (the Half-Light City series) opens her Four Arts fantasy series with the portrait of a young woman who’s thrust into the center of dangerous political machinations. Sophie Kendall, 32nd in line for the throne of a fantastical realm, isn’t looking forward to her 21st birthday and the religious coming-of-age ceremony in which her powers will manifest. Her position and her magic make her a pawn to be married off for political alliance. But when a terrorist bombing forces Sophie to flee the capital, she comes into her magic without the required rituals to bind her power to the goddess. Instead, she finds herself magically bonded with her protector, Red Guard Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie. Sophie and Cameron quickly realize that their bond allows them to combine their magic synergistically—an ability the temple will do anything to keep hidden, to maintain its magical monopoly. Romance fans will enjoy the growing relationship between Cameron and Sophie, but the story’s real strength lies in the web of intrigue Scott creates around her characters. This is a promising start to the series. Agent: Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary.

April 15, 2015

A few days before her 21st birthday--the day she was to come into her power and be bound to the Goddess--Sophie Kendall is away from the palace when it is attacked. Sophie's bodyguard, Cameron MacKenzie, whisks her to safety, and they are still running when her birthday arrives. Sophie taps into a nearby ley line for the first time, and the power surge leads her to an act of passion with Cam. When the couple return to court and the leader of the church tries to complete Sophie's initiation, they realize that she can no longer be bound, making her a threat to the church. VERDICT The author of the "Half-Light City" series launches a marvelous new fantasy with a healthy dollop of romance and adventure. While none of the elements of the magic system are exactly new, they are combined in fresh ways and enhanced by the rich scenery of court intrigue and hints of the forbidden alchemy that will be explored in the next eagerly awaited entry.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.