Publishers Weekly
★ 11/06/2017
In a series opener with depth, powerful people called Elementae can control earth, fire, air, and water but are persecuted by an egotistical and cruel king who seeks to eradicate their abilities. Seventeen-year-old Shalia is newly wedded to that king, Calix, in order to forge peace between her desert people and the Bone Lands that Calix rules. As Calix’s controlling nature is revealed, Shalia’s hopes for a happy marriage evaporate, she realizes that she’s an earth Elemanta (something she must keep secret), and she feels undeniable sparks for Calix’s brother, Galen. Shalia’s first-person narration keeps readers close to her growing horror at her husband’s genocidal tendencies and her own determination to do the right thing, even at great risk to herself, in a turbulent world of political and social turmoil. Gaughen (the Scarlet series) delivers an emotionally resonant tale full of magic so powerful it can move the earth; rich writing and worldbuilding will appeal to readers seeking complex characters, palace intrigue, and weighty questions of power and loyalty. Ages 14–up. Agent: Minju Chang, Bookstop Literary. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
A series opener with depth. . . .Gaughen delivers an emotionally resonant tale full of magic so powerful it can move the earth; rich writing and worldbuilding will appeal to readers seeking complex characters, palace intrigue, and weighty questions of power and loyalty.” —Publishers Weekly
“A tale of staggering magic, cutthroat royalty, and lethal intrigue. . . . Gaughen weaves a compelling feminist fantasy. Shalia is a refreshingly strong heroine with a voice that leaps off the page. Her story will both break readers' hearts and urge them onward, anxious to know how Shalia grapples with her destiny.” —Booklist
“Another fantasy romance in the vein of books by Sabaa Tahir, Renee Ahdieh, and Sarah Maas, this volume will have teens clamoring for a sequel. Shaila matures from a frightened girl in a foreign land to a woman unwilling to allow her destiny or desires to be controlled by the men around her.” —School Library Journal
“Shalia's story unfolds slowly, smoldering before it rages into an enormous fire. It builds in a powerful way, drawing the reader into a larger plot than they ever expected. . . . Reign the Earth is sure to inspire a dedicated fan base eager for the next tale.” —Foreword Reviews
“The romance between Shalia and Galen is absolutely swoonworthy, but it's a relationship of equals with Shalia demanding a partner rather than a protector. Fans of Chokshi's The Star-Touched Queen . . . will appreciate Shalia's confidence, sense of agency, and ultimate defiance of Calix and his reign.” —BCCB
“Following in the tradition of Tamora Pierce's stories of feisty, kickass heroines and drawing on some factual underpinnings. . . Gaughen's tale will satisfy teen readers seeking action-packed romantic adventure set alluringly in another age.” —Kirkus Reviews on LION HEART
“Scarlet is a worthy protagonist for adolescent female readers, and [the] nonstop action that peppers the plot will entice male teens with a penchant for semihistorical fiction.” —VOYA on LION HEART
“Filled with action, suspense, and a healthy dash of passionate but controlled romance.” —School Library Journal on LADY THIEF
“Debut novelist Gaughen does more than offer a rip-roaring tale, though it is that. The story, told in Scar's distinctive first-person voice, captivates and gets readers as deeply into the heart of a troubled girl. . . has plenty for both the romantic and the adventure lover.” —Booklist on SCARLET
“Plenty of swashbuckling adventure and a hearty dose of romance power this re-imagining of the legend of Robin Hood.” —School Library Journal on SCARLET
School Library Journal
11/01/2017
Gr 8 Up—After five years of bloody war and death, 17-year-old desert princess Shaila agrees to marry Calix, King of the Bone Lands, and make peace between their two peoples. Shaila hopes to usher in a new age free of war and pain, but quickly begins to doubt her husband's motives. To make matters worse, Shaila discovers that she has the power of an Elementae, a person capable of controlling the elements. Calix has a mysterious obsession with ridding the land of Elementae, and Shaila's abilities put her and her unborn daughter in grave danger. As Shaila grows dangerously close to Galen, Calix's brother, she learns of Calix's true intent in marrying her and must decide whether she will continue to work for peace, or ally with the Resistance and fight for those she loves. Another fantasy romance in the vein of books by Sabaa Tahir, Renee Ahdieh, and Sarah Maas, this volume will have teens clamoring for a sequel. Shaila matures from a frightened girl in a foreign land to a woman unwilling to allow her destiny or desires to be controlled by the men around her, even the well-meaning ones. The slow-burning romance between Shaila and Galen is swoon-worthy but relatively tame, and the relationship between Shaila and her family, especially brother Kairos, adds depth and humanity to her choices. The plot moves without feeling sluggish or rushed, though the final 80 pages pack a punch. VERDICT A must-buy for any teen collection where fantasy romance is popular.—Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser, St. Paul Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
2017-10-10
Gaughen's sophomore series balances a classic fantasy setup with a tale of abusive marriage and female strength in the face of extreme adversity.For years the white-skinned Bone Landers have waged war; they ravaged the magic-wielding islanders and now fight the brown-skinned desert people. The marriage of desert-born Shalia to Calix, the Tri King, is critical for peace, and Shalia is determined to do her duty. But Calix's handsome face hides a cruel spirit; the genocide of the Islanders was his doing, revenge for a perceived failed romance. Shalia tries to heal his anger with patience and understanding even as she manifests the elemental magic Calix has sworn to eradicate and tries to protect her brother, who leads the resistance. Calix is a textbook abuser; he blames others for his cruelty, he tries to control everything about Shalia, and he frequently tells her how much he loves her even as he hurts her. Despite her naiveté, Shalia refuses to be victimized, making this both a traditional fantasy (complete with requisite forbidden romance) and a manifesto of female strength. Heavy exposition bogs down the early chapters, but once the narrative takes off Shalia proves herself a worthwhile heroine.The readers who flock to this will find more than they expected, and Shalia's strength will give them something truly worth swooning over. (Fantasy. 14-18)
