Year of the Reaper

by Makiia Lucier

A rich and captivating YA standalone fantasy that's perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Rachel Hartman, and Naomi Novik, from the writer whose stories have been called “brilliant” (Booklist), “masterful” (Horn Book), and “breathtaking” (School Library Journal), comes a captivating new standalone fantasy. In the aftermath of a devastating plague, a young lord is determined to discover the truth behind a mysterious attempt to assassinate the young queen.
 
Three years ago, young Lord Cassia disappeared in the midst of war. Since then, a devastating illness has swept the land, leaving countless dead and a kingdom forever altered. Having survived war and plague, Cas, now eighteen, wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers.
 
His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them.
 
An assassin targets those closest to the queen, drawing Cas into a search for a killer. With the help of a historian-in-training named Lena, he soon realizes that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. Cas and Lena must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret—one that could threaten the kingdom’s newfound peace and plunge it back into war.

• ISBN10: 0358272092
• ISBN13: 9780358272090
• Publish Date: 9 November 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Clarion Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 336
• Language: English

Reviews

[mvk]

Sometimes, a book doesn't need to be revolutionary or groundbreaking to be exceptional. And this one is precisely that kind of book - it's simply and undeniably good in all the right ways.

What makes this novel stand out is its perfect sense of balance. The fantasy worldbuilding is neither overwhelming nor sparse - it's just enough to immerse you entirely in the story. The cast of characters is perfectly sized for the narrative, and while the author doesn't dive excessively into their backgrounds, each character feels remarkably ... whole. You understand their emotions, and motivations with clarity. They feel real without requiring hundreds of pages of backstory or inner thoughts.

While not reinventing the wheel, the plot is crafted with exceptional skill. Every element feels meticulously placed, creating a story that flows naturally dynamic and keeps you thoroughly engaged. This careful calibration of elements - worldbuilding, character development, and plot progression - makes the book compelling. Nothing feels excessive or lacking; everything serves the story precisely as it should.

What truly elevates this book is how effortlessly it pulls you in. The journey with these characters feels natural and engaging, making it impossible to put down. It's like finding a perfectly comfortable reading spot - everything feels right.

I LIKED IT ... MUCH!

[ambiancereads]

I love this one! What a great stand-alone too! I loved the slow burn relationship and the mystery as well. The plot was great and fast paced. I loved the depth of Cas as a character. Overall a great book!