The Storyspinner
by Becky Wallace
Margaret K. McElderry Books (March 3, 2015)
IndieBound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
"Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.
In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.
The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.
With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything."
Carolyn's thoughts on the book:
2015 has already been a stellar year for YA fantasy, in my humble opinion, and The Storyspinner is another fantastic example. The dual storylines give the reader alternate, dual perspectives of the story, and thus a better comprehension of the intricate story. Johanna's new life with the DeSilvas (after her father's death) is filled with intrigue and confusion - both surrounding the political role she might play, as well as her complex relationship with Rafael and the DeSilva family. Alternately, the journey of the Seekers sheds light on the magic within this world and Joanna's secret heritage. The book deftly transitions between the dual storylines (and while the entire book is told in third person limited, the character whose thoughts are revealed to the reader rotates with each chapter), and maintains the story without becoming too confusing or muddling the plot. The book has great pacing, with never a dull moment. All of the characters are carefully crafted and interesting, far more than simply plot devices; there also is considerable character development (at least for all of the central characters). The relationships between characters, whether platonic or romantic, are realistic and believable.
The Storyspinner is a great choice for those who like fantasy, historical settings, and political intrigue. According to the Goodreads page, this book is the first installment in a series, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Carolyn is a teen blogger who shares her favorite YA reads and favorite book related finds with readers on Fridays.