Sword and Verse

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2016

Review

This fantasy presents a world where reading and writing hold power. In Qilara only the highest people in power are allowed to read and write a higher order language. Raisa, an Arnath child, learned to read and write a lower order language from her father before she is kidnapped and enslaved to work in the palace of Qilara. The story is told from Raisa's point of view. She is later chosen to tutor the prince. A romance develops between them. She is in a unique position because she wants to free her enslaved Arnath people, yet she loves the prince. The plot is complicated and moves quickly at times. This novel is for readers who enjoy a challenging and in-depth story with suspense, adventure, and romance.

Overall Book Score: very good