"In this sequel to her debut novel, Bloodleaf (2019), Smith creates a dark and riveting tale....At its heart, this is a story of facing fears and finding the strength to fight for what you want. At times gory, at times heart-wrenching, and always captivating, Smith's latest is a thrilling and surprising sequel that will leave readers eager for the final installment. Recommend the Bloodleaf trilogy to fans of the Throne of Glass series looking for their next read." --Booklist "Smith has created a world full of intricate magical properties and rules where nothing is as it seems and the game is constantly changing....[Readers will] be pulled to the edge of their seats....abruptly awesome. A worthy addition to any fantasy collection."--School Library Journal Praise for BLOODLEAF: "Bloodleaf has a good chance of becoming your next YA obsession." --Entertainment Weekly "The writing is strong and engaging...romance, danger, and magic make for a winning combination that will keep readers glued to the pages long after bedtime. A lovely, dark, and twisted fantasy for those of who have never quite outgrown fairy tales."--School Library Journal "Half-fantasy and half-murder mystery, this novel is a riveting read; Smith delicately plants seemingly insignificant details that become crucial later, and the plot is rife with surprising twists. The magic system is intricate and unique, and the headstrong main character proves again and again that she can make sacrifices to save her loved ones. In addition to the compelling story, deeper themes of religious corruption and variations on motherly love run through the book; the different interpretations of the religious systems between the two countries are particularly thought-provoking. This novel is a well-developed page-turner that will have fans of both the fantasy and mystery genres rushing to finish." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Debut author Smith explores the power of sacrifice in this darkly romantic reimagining of the Brothers Grimm's "The Goose Girl." Smith's rich mythology and affecting love story...and subtly drawn characters illustrate the story's interest in the difference between piety and goodness." --Publishers Weekly "A multifaceted scheme, mistaken identity, and a simmering romance will keep readers riveted and dying to know how it all unfolds.... An excellent choice for fans of smart, independent female leads, intriguing fantasy worlds, and a race against the clock to defeat evil." --Booklist "The plot is breathlessly fast, complete with creepy spirits, a satisfying romance, and complex but clear political twists and turns....Political, romantic, magical, timely, yet also traditionally appealing." --Kirkus "Enchanting, visceral, and twisty, BLOODLEAF is a phantasmagorical wonder that will keep you guessing until the very last page." --Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess "Eerie, immersive, and fascinating, BLOODLEAF feels like a classic in the making. Readers will be pulled deep into Aurelia's world, and lose sleep alongside her as the deadly mysteries close in." --Sarah Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless "Smith weaves together mystery, adventure and a reimagined fairy tale in this bewitching debut. An irresistible, spellbinding story." &md --
