03/02/2020
Miller’s strong conclusion to her Unraveled Kingdom trilogy (following Fray) balances personal and political conflicts as the 18th-century Europe-esque nation of Galitha takes its first steps from monarchy to democratic republic. Galithan Sophie Balstrade, a “sartorial sorceress” working to weaponize her spell-casting skills for use against the Royalist forces, travels with her ally, Alba, leader of the Order of the Golden Sphere Convent, on a short sea voyage to gather supplies from manufacturers in Fen, a neighboring country where magic is illegal and relationships between factory owners and their workers have been influenced by news of the reformation in Galitha. Back home, the leaders of the Reformist Army, among them Sophie’s rabble-rousing brother, Kristos, and her charming fiancé, Theodor, who’s left the gentry, face internal difficulties as they struggle to construct a new government, debating issues of representation and whether to lead with idealism or pragmatism. Miller does not shy away from battle and bloodshed as the political conflict comes to a head, but also refreshingly portrays the intimate, personal impacts of sweeping social changes. Series fans will be pleased with this satisfying, sophisticated fantasy. Agent: Jessica Sinsheimer, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary. (May)
"Miller caps off the Unraveled Kingdom trilogy with a seamless blend of magic and heart, all under the cloud of war and revolution. Smart, thrilling, and full of charm, Rule is the perfect sendoff for the tale of Sophie Balstrade."—Mike Chen, author of Here and Now and Then
"Miller successfully ties up loose ends and shows the personal cost of war. Series fans will cheer and cry as their heroes battle for independence and for stability. Well-drawn characters and wonderful writing makes this book highly recommended."—Booklist (starred review)
"Miller does not shy away from battle and bloodshed as the political conflict comes to a head, but also refreshingly portrays the intimate, personal impacts of sweeping social changes. Series fans will be pleased with this satisfying, sophisticated fantasy."—Publishers Weekly
"One of the best novels I've read this year! Torn is masterfully written — full of fascinating politics and compelling characters in a vividly rendered, troubled city. Sophie is a believable, layered, and wonderful heroine; her journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a joy to read. I absolutely loved this book!"—Sarah Beth Durst on Torn
"Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!"—Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage on Torn
"Miller places immigrant ambition and women's lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever and subtly fierce fantasy."—Tasha Suri, author Empire of Sand on Torn
"A gorgeous weave of romantic fantasy and urgent politics."—Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives on Torn
"A delight, woven through with rich detail. Magic, sewing, and an achingly good romance — what's not to love? A deeply satisfying read. I'm dying for the next one!"—Alexandra Rowland, author of A Conspiracy of Truths on Torn
"Torn challenges readers to thoughtfully consider all sides of social change by humanizing each perspective. Readers interested in classic fantasy, feminism, adventure, and a bit of romance will enjoy this thought-provoking book."—Booklist on Torn
"Miller deftly weaves a thrilling tale of revolution and turmoil in a complex fantasy world."—Cass Morris, author of From Unseen Fire on Torn
Highly recommend.... Fun, excitement, and magic all sewn into one amazing story.—The Speculative Herald on Torn
"Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system.... A well-executed historical fantasy debut whose author has a sharp eye for detail."—Kirkus on Torn
04/10/2020
War has come to Galitha. While the Reformists continue to make inroads against the Royalist army, there are divisions within the movement. Sophie fears that her brother Kristos and her love Theodor will be lost on the battlefield—and in the case of Theodor, crown prince of Galitha, his fight will not end when the war is done. As Sophie uses her charm-casting powers to bolster their uniforms and supplies, she soon realizes that she may have to turn to curse-casting to tip the balance of power against the West Serafan magic allied with the Royalists. With the odds against them, the path to freedom is lined with defeats and deaths, and it will take all of Sophie's intellect and skills to light them to victory. VERDICT Miller's conclusion to her French Revolution-inspired fantasy trilogy is filled with politics, ambitions, hope, and betrayal. Themes of immigration, women's lives and rights, and democracy are woven into a delightfully intricate prose tapestry.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
2020-03-02
In the conclusion of Miller's Unraveled Kingdom trilogy, revolution has become war, and all wars must end—even when the rules of war are changing due to magic.
Sophie Balstrade's once-simple life as a seamstress and crafter of simple charms is a thing of the past. Now she is a feared sorceress, wielding the curse magic she once dreaded to bring misfortune and sickness down on Royalist troops. As part of a people's uprising, Sophie fights alongside her revolutionary brother, Kristos, and her betrothed, Theodor—once the crown prince and now a reluctant rebel general. With allies both old and new, they battle for a better world, but as the body count rises, Sophie must wrestle with the consequences of her own contributions. She has pioneered magic as a battlefield weapon, and war will never be the same. And, as Sophie learns in a painful twist, even a military victory doesn't guarantee peace. The series continues its effective balance of the political and the personal, contrasting Sophie's internal conflict over her magic with questions of class inequality, prejudice, women's rights, and the high cost of war (even if the answers to these questions all seem a bit predictable at times). The pace plods a bit compared to previous installments, but the series' believable stakes and strong, detail-focused realism continue to carry readers to the poignant conclusion.
Part fantasy, part love story, and part political commentary, this series finale will tug at the mind and the heartstrings.
