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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010335876 | PZ7.S69733 A45 2014 | Open Access Book | Creative Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Sixteen-year-old Jared is the newly crowned Prince of All Archenfield, ascending the throne after his older brother's mysterious death. But Jared feels reluctant and unprepared to rule the Princedom and its dangerous and powerful court. Like each Prince of All Archenfield before him, Jared must rely on the Council of Twelve to advise him. But he knows he can just as easily be at their mercy--especially when it appears that one of the Twelve might have orchestrated his brother's untimely death. Propelled by his rage over the loss of his brother and wary of all his advisors, Jared can trust only Asta: a clever, strong-willed girl from the settlements, currently serving as the Physician's apprentice. Asta and Jared take it upon themselves to hunt down his brother's assassin--though the assassin may be hunting them, as well.
Murder, betrayal, and intrigue abound in Justin Somper's thrilling YA series debut. Exploring the political machinations of the medieval-esque court and the lives that hang in the balance, Allies & Assassins is a gripping tale of a teen torn between duty and revenge.
Author Notes
Justin Somper is the worldwide bestselling author of the Vampirates series, which has been published in 25 languages in 35 countries. When he isn't writing, he works with other authors as a publicist and trainer. He lives in London with his partner and two energetic dogs.
Reviews 3
School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-From the first page of this hefty volume, the Princedom of Archenfield is plunged into mystery, danger, and intrigue. Prince Anders, who has ruled the kingdom through just two peaceful years, has been found dead, and his 16-year-old brother Jared has automatically become Prince of All Archenfield. Though he is clever and kind, Jared is not prepared to assume the crown. Luckily, he has the Twelve; officers of the court whose job is to advise, teach, and protect him. But can Jared trust them? In the few days before his brother's funeral and his own coronation, Jared and the clever young Physician's Apprentice, Asta, investigate the mystery of Ander's murder, keenly aware that the murderer may be targeting Jared as well. As more victims are claimed, the mismatched young couple uncover lies, secret love affairs, and more suspects than they had expected. Though some of the hints seem obvious, Somper manages to keep the mystery alive with many red herrings, surprises, and plot twists, while deftly setting up the scenario for a sequel. Fans of medieval adventure, murder mysteries, and romance will all find something to like here, and readers will eagerly await the continuation of the this engrossing saga.-MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Somper (the Vampirates books) launches his first series for teens, in which a 16-year-old prince takes the throne after his older brother is assassinated. Before Jared can be crowned prince of Archenfeld, he and his court must track down Prince Anders's killer and exact justice. Though they swiftly find their chief suspect, questions remain; Asta, the Physician's apprentice, believes the true murderer is still on the loose. As other bodies turn up, Jared and Asta navigate a complex web of political intrigue where anyone might be a killer and a traitor. Drawing on premedieval Welsh courts for inspiration, Somper breathes life into the inner workings of his fantasy kingdom, which feels like a lost European territory. The cast is sprawling and complicated; some characters all but fade into the background while others practically chew the scenery. With its focus on forensics investigation and suspense, this is both political thriller and royal drama. Though the story takes place over just a few days, the pacing is slow, but the underlying story is solid and entertaining. Ages 12-up. Agent: Philippa Milnes-Smith, LAW, Ltd. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Sixteen-year-old Jared ascends to the throne of Archenfield after his brother Anders is murdered. Now he must learn to navigate the murky waters of politics, while also finding the assassin. The only person he can trust is Asta, the physician's young apprentice. As the assassin strikes again and again, the situation becomes desperate and Jared must act quickly before his own reign is cut short. Somper's faux-historical novel is more of a police procedural than the political thriller the title might suggest, and readers looking for fantasy action will be disappointed, since there is no magic and the pace of the story sometimes drags. But those who like the mechanics of forensic detective work will enjoy watching Asta and Jared attempt to logically and scientifically solve the crimes, unknowingly hampered by their lack of modern equipment and know-how. Both teens fight to be taken seriously, and their friendship is a solid component of the story, balancing the huge cast of characters. A cliff-hanger ending will leave readers wanting more.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2010 Booklist
