Publishers Weekly
10/21/2019
Flores’s fantasy debut follows Aina Solís, whose parents were executed for practicing diamond-channeled blood magic in the wake of Sumerand’s industrial revolution. Aina spent years on the city of Kosín’s streets before joining “Blood King” Kohl Pavel’s tradehouse, which deals in all manner of criminal activity, and learning to fight. Now 18, she is a skilled assassin who dreams of becoming her own boss. When Kohl offers Aina a high-profile hit that will bankroll the start of her own tradehouse, she eagerly accepts; killing the wealthy diamond exporter proves more difficult than anticipated, though, even with the help of freelancer Teo Matgan. Kosín’s ruling body places a bounty on Aina’s head, forcing her to run—not just from the Diamond Guard and those eager to collect the reward, but also from Kohl, who must protect his tradehouse’s reputation. Flores’s cast comprises characters of multiple ethnicities, many of whom lack complexity and verisimilitude. And though superficial worldbuilding sometimes muddies the book’s message, a clever setup allows for keen insights regarding poverty, religious persecution, and cycles of violence. Ages 12–up. Agent: Pete Knapp, Park Literary & Media. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"Full of action sequences that will compel readers to keep turning pages, this book is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced stories ... Give to fans of dystopian stories similar to Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games trilogy or James Dashner’s Maze Runner series." – School Library Journal
"A thrilling adventure, through a vibrant city as alive as any character, about a girl willing to do anything to better her circumstances. " – Emily A. Duncan, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked Saints
“Just like the metropolis for which it’s named, Diamond City is full of shadows, secrets, and heart-stopping surprises. An absolutely electric debut!” – Crystal Smith, author of Bloodleaf
"Diamond City is a fast-paced book about a heroine I constantly found myself root for. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING." – June Hur, author of Silence of Bones
"Diamond City is epic and enthralling, truly a spectacular, unique, fresh YA fantasy that you cannot miss." – Katie Zhao, author of The Dragon Warrior
"This is a book with a protagonist you will 100% root for, a plot that doesn't let you go, a world that chokes you with its grit and grime and smoke, and a story that will open your eyes and stay with you long after you've turned the last page. " – Amélie Wen Zhao, author of Blood Heir
School Library Journal
10/01/2019
Gr 10 Up—A teen assassin tries to complete her latest assignment without being killed or double-crossed. Aina Solis was taken from the streets where she was addicted to sniffing glue and has been trained to be an assassin for hire. Her boss, Kohl, gives her a very dangerous, very difficult, and very lucrative assignment. The payout will allow Aina to gain her independence and become her own boss. When she fails to kill her target, Kohl takes all her money and puts a price on her head. Aina must work together with friends and enemies alike to take down her target and save her life in the process. This novel takes place in a world controlled by Steels, wealthy industrialists who have taken over the country after defeating the religious Inosen. Religion is outlawed: Aina's parents were killed because of their ties to the Inosen religion. There is a strong divide between the poor religious people who live in crime-ridden neighborhoods controlled by gangs and the wealthy Steels. Aina alternately chafes against Kohl and wishes to start her own business on her own terms while also secretly harboring an attraction to Kohl. Full of action sequences that will compel readers to keep turning pages, this book is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced stories, though readers hoping for world-building and character development will be better served by other books. Give to fans of dystopian stories similar to Suzanne Collins's "Hunger Games" trilogy or James Dashner's "Maze Runner" series. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries with heavily used young adult collections.—Jenni Frencham, Indiana University, Bloomington
APRIL 2020 - AudioFile
This upbeat and nimbly narrated fantasy balances good and evil with a side of romance. Frankie Corzo narrates the story of Aina Solís, who finds herself leading the life of an assassin as she traverses a dangerous landscape full of rivals and foes. The story is captivating and thought-provoking at times. Corzo’s gritty tones bring out the fierce determination of the characters, while balancing the tender moments with ease. Her narration expertly assists listeners through the story, bringing to life the tension in the dramatic situations. Corzo’s smooth transitions and attention to the detail of the text will warrant listeners pushing play again and again. J.O. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2019-10-21
A trained assassin becomes the hunted after she is given an almost impossible target.
Eighteen-year-old orphan Aina Solís grew up on the streets of the Stacks—a mazelike neighborhood in Kosín, a city full of diamond mines. That is, until she was rescued from being blown up in a bar. Six years later, after being trained as a Blade by Kohl—the Blood King, her rescuer, and leader of a gang of hired assassins—Aina is given the task to murder Kouta Hirai, a wealthy businessman who holds the monopoly on diamond-mining tools. As she races to complete the assignment before a week is over, Aina must also protect herself as she is wanted by the Diamond Guards and rival assassin gangs. Aided by Teo—her best friend, fellow assassin, and potential love interest—Aina lives in a constant moral conflict, as she can never forget her parents' teaching on the value of life and how their unapologetic use of illegal blood magic helped people. However, ever present in her mind are also Kohl's lessons on survival and her desire for his approval. Despite a compelling plot and array of relationships, the book misses the mark in worldbuilding as the time period and Latin American-inspired culture never feel completely grounded. The diverse characters' skin tones range from ivory to copper.
An entertaining and action-driven tale of assassins and magic. (Fantasy. 13-18)
