Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles Joy weaves a dark yet delicate treatise on race, heritage, and power whilst never losing that addictive ‘just one more chapter’ allure. I devoured it in one sitting! - Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and FireĪ dark and bloody delight of a debut, Amanda Joy's A River of Royal Blood is a seductive tapestry of extraordinary magick delving into the terrifying lengths we will go to claim our destiny. Publishers WeeklyĪ sibling rivalry like nothing you’ve ever read before.

engrossing, North African–inspired series opener draws effectively on real-world prejudices to inform richly created universe. The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books will enjoy exciting fight scenes and a variety of abilities reminiscent of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling trilogy. Joy creates a complex, intriguing fantasy world. Fascinating characters, both regal and warrior-like, fill the narrative, and the pageantry is richly detailed in a swirling cacophony of colors, dance, and swordplay.This first book in a series is riveting. will leave readers wanting more. “A dark and complex fantasy of bloodlust and rich imagination. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa's death or her own.Ī River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye-and it isn't just her sister who wants to see her dead. Living in Raina's long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne-because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of blood and marrow-a dark and terrible magick that hasn't been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

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