THE SELLER OF SECRETS

In this debut that evokes a fantasy Renaissance Florence, 17-year-old Bell tries to use her magical gift to save her city.

Bell first learned she had special abilities when she was 11, after she became overwhelmed by the fragrance of flowers, accidentally fused Magia, and nearly wiped her sister Roza’s mind clean. This incident drastically changed their lives—pale-skinned, golden-haired Roza contracted Lymbodia, or the Burning Blood, and brown-haired Bell became apprenticed to the Maestra of Scents, Agnella. Years later, Roza is engaged to Garam of the noble House Medoro, cementing her family’s place in Bardian society, while Bell is poised to take over from her Maestra. However, there are evil forces working behind the scenes, and Bell doesn’t know whom she can trust. Her mother insists that she give up her scentmaking magic and marry into a powerful family. Roza lives boldly, in defiance of her deadly disease, but she may be at risk from Garam—who is seemingly plotting against all of Bardia. And what of the mysterious dark-skinned Spy for the Seller of Secrets, whom she meets at the Bazaar? Drawing upon the infamous Medici family as inspiration, Yutzy creates a magical world. The story is loaded with intrigue and full of deception, secrets, and a touch of romance, and readers will be drawn in by Bell’s search for the truth.

A combination of mystery, burgeoning love, and strong worldbuilding makes for a tempting read.