Publishers Weekly
12/16/2019
“We were royals. Our happiness was irrelevant.” Castellan, a Wattpad author, threads lively magical details into her historical tale of French royal life during 1661. When 17-year-old English princess Henriette marries Philippe, younger brother to the newly crowned Sun King, Louis XIV of France, she never expects to be mired in scandal and heartbreak. But between the embarrassment of Philippe’s devotion to his lover, Armand de Gramont, and the expectations of her cold and calculating mother-in-law, she finds herself thus while attempting to maintain her status as “everyone’s favorite” and keep her ability as a Source, a wellspring of magic, private. Throughout France, Sources are being hunted and killed for their enchantment, but no one knows who is behind the attacks. Despite her caution, the King—a known magicien, who can wield a Source’s power—discovers Henriette’s secret, and she must decide whether his grandiose visions, including the remaking of Versailles, are worth her loyalty. Castellan craftily infuses enchantment in every scene alongside romance and intrigue among the royals and their court, while luxurious descriptions and quick-witted dialogue make for a captivating read. Ages 12–up. Agent: Carrie Pestritto, Laura Dail Literary Agency. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
"Brava! An impressive debut novel that hooked me within the first few pages. Using only historical characters, save one, Castellan creates a fast-paced story of loyalty, love, intrigue, innuendo, magic, and murder. She seamlessly builds a magical world onto one that is already well-documented, giving historical events a new, fun twist." —The Historical Novel Society
"An utterly enchanting story of intrigue and romance that seamlessly blends magic into history. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN casts a spell that makes the past come alive in breathtaking new ways. It will cover you in gold dust and leave you longing for more." —Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen Series.
"Full of passion, romance, and court intrigue, In the Shadow of Sun is a fascinating reimagining of an infamous period in French history. This glittering debut shines with gilded magic and a carefully woven mystery that'll leave you wanting more." —Kalyn Josephson, author of The Storm Crow
"A multifaceted mystery, sparkling with history, romance, and magic, set against the sumptuous backdrop of King Louis XIV's court." —Stacey Lee, award winning author of The Downstairs Girl
"Castellan craftily infuses enchantment in every scene alongside romance and intrigue among the royals and their court, while luxurious descriptions and quick-witted dialogue make for a captivating read." —Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
01/17/2020
Gr 7 Up—Henriette, an English princess, is set to marry Philippe, the younger brother of Louis XIV. In this tale, a mash-up of historical fiction and fantasy, magicians and Sources have a symbiotic relationship—Sources possess magic but cannot use it; magicians have no magic and must draw on a Source. Someone is killing Sources, and Henriette, a Source, must conceal her status. She spends her time dealing with court gossip and her bisexual husband's male lover. When Louis XIV, who is a magician, has an emergency, Henriette reveals she is a Source to help him. The two decide to continue hiding her abilities, and Henriette offers to aid Louis in building a great palace at Versailles. However, now the Sources of court magicians are dying, and Henriette and Louis, with help from trusted courtiers, must locate the killer. Henriette struggles to save her marriage and assist Louis without jeopardizing her health. The descriptions of court events and politics, and the relationship between Sources and magicians, are fascinating. The few love scenes hint at further activities without being explicit. This would be an excellent companion for readers who liked Gita Trelease's Enchantée. VERDICT Full of court events, gossip, and the intrigue of murder, magic, and secrets, this is a good general purchase.—Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA
