A LAND OF SHADOWS AND MOSS

A girl with formidable powers tries to elude the sad destiny awaiting her in Gelpi’s debut novel and fantasy series launch.

Twelve-year-old Princess Kharis, confined to a palace in the Zahari Empire, feels like a prisoner. She’s under constant watch as she is the latest “Djinnshirukh”—an ever-changing human vessel that effectively seals a fire-demon king’s soul. She’s an unusual case; most vessels are 18 or 19 years of age and, unlike Kharis, can choose whether or not they’ll house a fire demon. Luckily, her adopted, same-aged, beloved sister Saya is always by her side. Saya is the “Sorukhipa,” acting as a “sheath” to help keep Kharis’ wild magic in check. The princess’ ultimate fate as the Djinnshirukh could be madness or even her execution. But Prince Rawiri of neighboring Kahurang, who’s in Zahar as Kharis and Saya’s tutor, may be able to help the sisters earn the freedom to forge their own paths. However, a Zahari general, envious of the power that Kharis can access, proves an alarming impediment. Gelpi’s opening series installment is characterized by painstaking worldbuilding and a gleefully dense backstory. Surprises gradually materialize as the lengthy narrative weaves in a relevant prophecy, details on Kharis’ late queen mother, and a “silvery voice” in the princess’ head. The outstanding cast includes the unabashedly unruly Kharis (“In the eyes of many, she was an unpredictable and dangerous child”), warmhearted Saya, and the empathetic Rawiri. They’re entwined in a plot that combines “palace intrigue” with otherworldly skills—Kharis wields superior strength, speed, and self-healing (a terrifying fourth ability crops up later). The story includes tense and sometimes frantic confrontations as moral dilemmas perpetually weigh Kharis down. (She struggles to control her rage, especially when protecting of Saya, and her fire demon–enhanced powers can easily kill someone.) While this tale leads to an unforgettable final act and satisfying ending, there’s a wealth of opportunities for sequels.

A sublime introduction to exotic lands full of alluring characters and extraordinary magic.