Palace of Silver

Gr 7-10–In the third installment of the “Nissera Chronicles,” newly minted queens Kadri and Glisette attempt to pick up the pieces in the wake of the Moth King’s destructive path, but things are not going as planned. Glisette’s sister Ambrosine joins forces with one of the Fallen in her new home of Perispos. Seeking to gain glory, power, and revenge, Ambrosine makes a deal with a devil that quickly elevates her from a newlywed royal in a strange land to a dominating and threatening force. Kadri and Glisette face new enemies (and old ones) as their efforts to instill peace in their kingdoms are continuously thwarted by uprisings, kidnappings, betrayal, and other twists and turns. This is a plot-driven book, and not one to pick up without having read the previous entries. Ambrosine is a wonderful villain, both beguiling and sinister. Her possession by a demon-like force is rather sensual, painting a wonderfully visceral picture of the ways their powers and desires (and conflicts) intertwine. The sibling rivalry between Ambrosine and Glisette is appropriately tense and realistic, with old grudges and loyalties embedded in their story. Chapters move quickly between characters’ points of view and time periods, which could be challenging for some readers, although seasoned fantasy readers are accustomed to such a structure.