TO THE DEATH

Two 18-year-olds collide in a bid for glory—and vengeance.

In a modern fantasy world where magical dueling is a spectator sport, Tamsin Blackwood, who’s of Chinese and Irish descent, is the next big prodigy in the arcane arts. Being the only child of the infamous magician Master Mateus Blackwood comes with a lot of public attention—and pressure that’s exacerbated by Dad himself. He’s invested everything in making sure Tamsin lives up to his legacy. When Tamsin receives a risky, possibly even career-ending, offer to face Lysander Rook, “the young terror of the dueling circuits,” she accepts. Winning would grant her the financial independence she needs to escape her father’s control. Chinese American Samantha Chan’s scheme to pit her champion, Rook, against Tamsin is part of her plan to seek retribution for Mateus’ role in the death of her brother, Jamie, four years earlier. Sam needs to see Mateus’ daughter utterly destroyed, “physically, mentally, emotionally.” But it isn’t easy for Sam to stay the course when the two girls find comfort and connection in one another that they’ve never had before. Tang presents a high-stakes thriller told through the two highly driven protagonists’ perspectives that explores themes of family, revenge, and internal and external expectations. Fast-paced duels and dynamic depictions of arcane magic flesh out the world, while the complicated relationships bring drama and tension.

A rewarding page-turner that’s filled with deception and intrigue.