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The last one : a novel
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2024
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Library Journal Review
Kai wakes up without memories in a tiny town. Stranded, she decides to work to buy back her stolen belongings with the help of Jadon, the handsome village smith, and his sister Olivia. Soldiers keep invading the town in search of something, and Kai's growing magical abilities start to attract more attention. All three set off to find Kai's home and flee the soldiers as the attraction between Kai and Jadon grows. But everyone's holding on to secrets--some that could destroy the world. This first fantasy foray by Hall (What Fire Brings) is a thought-out if uneven series opener. Kai's abilities and the emphasis on religion make it clear from the start she's a fallen goddess, but confirmation is reserved for the last third of the book. Her importance is found only in the last few pages, following enough twists and reversals that it's difficult for readers to know what the narrative wants from her. Romance with Jadon is teased but is saved for upcoming books. VERDICT An ambitious romantasy opener, best for dedicated fans of the genre.--Katherine Sleyko
Booklist Review
Crime writer Hall (What Fire Brings, 2024) tries her hand at romantasy in this first entry in a planned series. Kai wakes outside the drab, illness-stricken town of Maford with no memories. Met with suspicion bordering on hostility due to her physical appearance, her only bright spot is town smith Jadon, who takes her in despite his reluctance to act on their strong mutual attraction. As Kai's journey of self-discovery takes her and Jadon across the kingdom, cryptic messengers and attacks from otherworldly creatures slowly unlock memories about Kai's true identity. But Kai's past is troubled, and she isn't the only member of her party with ties to the otherworldly. With the fate of Vallendor at stake, Kai must choose whether to continue on the destructive path she tread before losing her memory or to change course and risk losing her hold on the kingdom. Intriguing themes of redefining monstrousness and owning past mistakes are marred by opaque character motivations and slipshod world building. Even so, ardent romantasy fans will devour it.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Hall's reputation, a large print run, and a trendy romantasy story will mean lots of demand for this one.
Summary

"Romantasy readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough." --Publishers Weekly

"Masterful storytelling with a female protagonist worth rooting for." --#1 NYT bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Explosive and enthralling romantasy debut from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall...

Thrown into a desolate land of sickness and unnatural beasts, Kai wakes in the woods with no idea who she is or how she got there. All she knows is that if she cannot reach the Sea of Devour, even this hellscape will get worse. But when she sees the village blacksmith fight invaders with unspeakable skill, she decides to accept his offer of help.

Too bad he's as skilled at annoying her as he is at fighting.

As she searches for answers, Kai only finds more questions, especially regarding the blacksmith who can ignite her body like a flame, then douse it with ice in the next breath.

And no one is what--or who--they appear to be in the kingdom of Vinevridth, including the man whose secrets might be as deadly as the land itself.

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