Forest of souls

Orphan Sirscha Ashwyn is determined to make a place for herself--hopefully as the queen's next royal spy. She is well prepared, with impressive sword skills; special training from her mentor, Kendara; and the support of her best friend, fellow military student Saengo Phang. Then Sirscha is ambushed in a teahouse by shamans who kill Saengo--and somehow Sirscha brings her back to life. Thus begins Sirscha's fast-paced adventure through the mysterious and dangerous Dead Wood, seeking out Ronin the Spider King. Here she learns her true nature as a soulguide, and what she actually did when she saved Saengo. The lengthy glossary that precedes the story may give the false impression the plot is hard to follow, but Lee is experienced and skilled at building intricate worlds and letting the details unfold holistically through the plot. A particularly nice feature here is the multiracial component, incorporating pan-Asian humans as well as nonhuman shamans. Imaginative, action-packed, and clearly labeled as book one, this engaging title will leave fans eager for the sequel.

Gr 7--10--Sirscha is an orphan with nothing going for her but her friendship with Saengo, and her aspirations to become the queen's next spy. When she and Saengo are caught up in a shaman attack, Sirscha demonstrates what no one knew: she has magic, too. The queen, however, has outlawed the practice of magic, making Sirscha and Saengo fugitives. Together, they travel through the Spider King's forest of bloodthirsty trees holding trapped souls so that Sirscha can learn to use her magic. But as Sirscha explores the limits of her power, she also learns that others--from the Spider King, to her own queen, to even the common people desperately looking to survive--are eager to use her power for their own ends. Ultimately, Sirscha must navigate political intrigue within and beyond her own kingdom, and uncover dark secrets and dark magic, if she hopes to bring about any sort of peace or justice. VERDICT Lee is a masterful world-builder, creating intriguing scenarios and a compelling cast of characters, anchored by the strong portrayals of female friendship. For fans of Natasha Ngan and Joan He, and for any high fantasy collection.--Zoë McLaughlin, Michigan State University, East Lansing

From orphan to assassin-in-training to...savior of the kingdom? Sirscha is focused on becoming the next queen's Shadow. Training for the past four years, she has endured grueling trials and humiliations to prove herself among the elite. Less than a month from graduation, however, she intercepts a message that sets off a chain of events that derails her plans. Set on an unexpected path, Sirscha discovers new abilities and finds kinship with the persecuted shamanborn, those with elemental magic whom she once would have hunted down. If she can maintain some control, her powers may be able to help heal the rot in the kingdom, but Sirscha will ultimately question her loyalty to her queen and country. While the story skirts the "orphans of mysterious origins" trope, Sirscha's path to discovery and acceptance is thoughtful and heartfelt. It is also refreshing to see a character too busy kicking butt to stop for romance. This is not an Asian fantasy per se but a fantastical adventure with some Asian touches, indicated through descriptions of landscape and food. Characters are described with a range of skin tones from deep bronze to gray. Also, it is implied that same-sex marriage is accepted as a given. A refreshing fantasy for readers looking for more friendship and adventure, less romance. (glossary) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Orphan Sirscha Ashwyn is determined to make a place for herself—hopefully as the queen's next royal spy. She is well prepared, with impressive sword skills; special training from her mentor, Kendara; and the support of her best friend, fellow military student Saengo Phang. Then Sirscha is ambushed in a teahouse by shamans who kill Saengo—and somehow Sirscha brings her back to life. Thus begins Sirscha's fast-paced adventure through the mysterious and dangerous Dead Wood, seeking out Ronin the Spider King. Here she learns her true nature as a soulguide, and what she actually did when she saved Saengo. The lengthy glossary that precedes the story may give the false impression the plot is hard to follow, but Lee is experienced and skilled at building intricate worlds and letting the details unfold holistically through the plot. A particularly nice feature here is the multiracial component, incorporating pan-Asian humans as well as nonhuman shamans. Imaginative, action-packed, and clearly labeled as book one, this engaging title will leave fans eager for the sequel. Grades 8-12. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 7–10—Sirscha is an orphan with nothing going for her but her friendship with Saengo, and her aspirations to become the queen's next spy. When she and Saengo are caught up in a shaman attack, Sirscha demonstrates what no one knew: she has magic, too. The queen, however, has outlawed the practice of magic, making Sirscha and Saengo fugitives. Together, they travel through the Spider King's forest of bloodthirsty trees holding trapped souls so that Sirscha can learn to use her magic. But as Sirscha explores the limits of her power, she also learns that others—from the Spider King, to her own queen, to even the common people desperately looking to survive—are eager to use her power for their own ends. Ultimately, Sirscha must navigate political intrigue within and beyond her own kingdom, and uncover dark secrets and dark magic, if she hopes to bring about any sort of peace or justice. VERDICT Lee is a masterful world-builder, creating intriguing scenarios and a compelling cast of characters, anchored by the strong portrayals of female friendship. For fans of Natasha Ngan and Joan He, and for any high fantasy collection.—Zoë McLaughlin, Michigan State University, East Lansing