  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 05/01/2015 Gr 7–10—Set in an ancient civilization reminiscent of the Egyptians and the Mayans, this is a high fantasy novel that explores race, class, and gender struggles in a patriarchal society. Jessamy is the daughter of a Patron general and a Commoner mother. Even though her parents' union is illegal, Jessamy is brought up with the wealth and privilege of the Patron class. However, that privilege comes at the price of her own independence. The heroine cannot publicly compete in the Fives, a prestigious athletic competition, so she trains in secret. Then her father comes home unexpectedly from battle and the family is given the honor of attending a Fives game. Jessamy competes, but even masked, her identity is revealed. Her family quickly comes under the scrutiny of the deceptive Lord Gargaron who breaks apart the teen's family, even arranging a new marriage for her father. The protagonist is then sent to a Fives training camp while her pregnant mother and sisters are imprisoned. Jessamy seeks help from Lord Gargaron's nephew, a kind nobleman of Patron birth and a Fives competitor. Together, they risk their lives to save Jessamy's family. Elliott has created a world of warring kingdoms where the victors have built their civilization on the backs of the conquered. Jessamy is a loyal and strong female protagonist who fights against injustice. VERDICT This trilogy opener will be a hit with readers who love action-packed fantasy adventures.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/15/2015 *Starred Review* Jessamy’s family is in a difficult place. Her father, born poor but with noble blood, has risen to prominence as a skillful soldier. However, love for his commoner wife, and affection for his four daughters (who, according to society’s dictates, should have been abandoned), leaves him vulnerable when his patron dies. Jes’ skill in running the Fives—intricate, multidisciplinary endurance tests—saves her when his new patron, Lord Gargaron, breaks up the family. Jes gets to train in the Fives’ stable at Gargaron’s palace, but her father must leave his family and marry a noblewoman of Gargaron’s choosing. Jes assumes her pregnant mother and sisters are well taken care of, but nothing could be further from the truth, and rescuing them becomes her dangerous responsibility. In her first YA novel, World Fantasy Award finalist Elliott once again shows she is a master at world building. The requisite (and forbidden) romance between Jes and Gargaron’s nephew, Kalliarkos, has real spirit, and Jes will remind readers of fearless Katniss with her skill and strategy for games. But it’s the fascinating descriptions of traditions, royal interactions, and, of course, the intensities of the Fives that will enthrall readers most of all. Let the games continue! - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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