VOYA
"Johansen creates an elaborate world populated by complex characters...Readers will look forward to the sequel."
Booklist
"The fast-paced adventure, compelling characters and conflicts that make sense will reward readers of this fully-realized fantasy."
TeensReadToo.com
"All I can say is WOW!...Amazingly well-developed and imagined...intelligent and witty."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Fantasy fans who favor rich settings are likely to find [the main character's] quest through dangerous landscapes...compelling."
Resource Links
"Johansen has created a world and a cast of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with."
CM Magazine
"A fast-paced adventure story...The main characters are multi-dimensional and should appeal to readers of either gender. Highly recommended."
Quill & Quire
"The vaguely medieval fantasy past…gives [Johansen] a chance to use both her background as a medieval scholar and her fascination with The Lord of the Rings."
KLIATT
"Filled with pathos, humor and plenty of action, this should satisfy most YA fantasy readers...Sure to bring requests for the next in the series."
Mad Tales blog
"The book is fantastical - set in medievalish worlds, with magical beings - but it is also quite realistic in the telling. Characters use magic as a tool, but they are forced to struggle and work for their goals, and magic does not become a prop to them. I really enjoyed this book."
Amy's Marathon of Books blog
"Remarkably easy to get into and straight-forward. The characters of Maurey and Annot were interesting and relatable, and I liked the book’s theme of acceptance."