Naya Garth, apprentice to her wealthy merchant father, has been sent to prove herself by speaking with a supplier—but will it be the test she was expecting? On her way from her father’s ship to the supplier’s home in Ceramor, 17-year-old Naya is killed. A necromancer brings her back to life as a wraith with the authority of Ambassador Valn from her home country of Talmir. He wants her to continue to be of service to Talmir by becoming a spy. Naya has great difficulty accepting her circumstances until she meets Corten, another wraith, who helps her learn about her new powers. Over time Naya begins to question whether she is on the right side of the conflict between Ceramor and Talmir. She also fears what she has inadvertently involved Corten in. Naya, Corten, and the inhabitants of Ceramor are described as being tan-skinned, and the inclusion of a lesbian couple makes for a pleasantly diverse cast. Debut author Seal’s characters aren’t particularly well-rounded, but the world they inhabit is richly detailed and the plotline is exciting, if at times predictable. This is a promising beginning to a series that makes us question what we think we know. A high fantasy filled with adventure, espionage, and romance that envelops the reader in a world where the undead walk among the living.—Kirkus Reviews
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