The Shattered Court

Scott (the Half-Light City series) opens her Four Arts fantasy series with the portrait of a young woman who’s thrust into the center of dangerous political machinations. Sophie Kendall, 32nd in line for the throne of a fantastical realm, isn’t looking forward to her 21st birthday and the religious coming-of-age ceremony in which her powers will manifest. Her position and her magic make her a pawn to be married off for political alliance. But when a terrorist bombing forces Sophie to flee the capital, she comes into her magic without the required rituals to bind her power to the goddess. Instead, she finds herself magically bonded with her protector, Red Guard Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie. Sophie and Cameron quickly realize that their bond allows them to combine their magic synergistically—an ability the temple will do anything to keep hidden, to maintain its magical monopoly. Romance fans will enjoy the growing relationship between Cameron and Sophie, but the story’s real strength lies in the web of intrigue Scott creates around her characters. This is a promising start to the series. Agent: Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary. (May)