Dividing Eden

May 1, 2017
Following the death of the king and his heir, 17-year-old twins Carys and Andreus must compete in a series of trials to determine which of them will ascend to the throne of Eden. Carys has spent her life protecting Andreus, ensuring that no one learns of his weak heart and debilitating episodes. Andreus has never lived up to his father’s expectations, preferring to work among the tradespeople who keep their city safe from monstrous foes. Carys and Andreus hatch a desperate plan that will allow Andreus to safely assume the throne, but meddlesome political players and schemes cause a dangerous rift between the siblings. Charbonneau’s (Need) third-person narrative alternates between Carys and Andreus, giving insight into both sides of the ensuing struggle, but some readers may find it difficult to connect with Andreus, who is predictable and easily swayed by the promise of power. Carys, though, is a vibrant and driven character whose flaws make her fascinating; readers will be captivated by her story and strength, and look forward to what lies next for these siblings. Ages 13–up. Agent: Stacia Decker, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner.

April 1, 2017
After assassins kill the king and his heir, the remaining royal twins compete to earn the throne.White twins Carys and Andreus live in the Palace of Winds, safe from the war. But Andreus has a secret: he's cursed. And if the Council of Elders finds out, he and his sister face grave danger. All his life, Carys has kept him safe, shielding him whenever he's had an attack. Subsequently, Andreus is free to indulge himself, whether it be in women or the study of windmills. Carys, however, frequently faces punishment in order to hide her brother's affliction, and she will do anything to protect him. This tenuous arrangement holds until assassins kill both the king and their elder brother. Grief sends the queen over the edge, and the twins are forced to take her place: they must compete in the Trials of Virtuous Succession until only one lives. It isn't long before the twins once bound by blood are out to shed it. Carys emerges as a strong, dynamic lead, but her brother quickly shifts into caricature to suit the plot. There's no mention of magic in this fantasy until it ushers in the ending, adding much-needed hope to an otherwise endlessly bleak tragedy. Predictable and offering too little adventure, save for the twist that will propel the sequel. (Fantasy. 13-18)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-As the youngest members of the royal family of Eden, 17-year-old twins Carys and Andreus do not expect that either of them will ever become their kingdom's monarch. However, when tragic events leave Eden without a ruler, the two unprepared siblings are forced to participate in a series of trials to determine who will be the successor to the throne. Carys is sure that nothing could ever break the special bond she has with her brother, but it doesn't take long for secrets, jealousy, and betrayal to come between them. Charbonneau establishes the strong connection between Carys and Andreus early on, leading readers to feel invested in their relationship. While romance plays a role in the plot, familial relations remain the chief focus here. The narrative is split to include each twin's point of view, and individual personalities and motivations are fairly well developed throughout. Toward the end of the story, one sibling's disappointing actions feel out of character, and the conflict is rushed, despite Charbonneau's best efforts to lay groundwork. Weak world-building and limited secondary character development are likely to leave readers with lots of questions, which will hopefully be answered in the next installment. VERDICT Despite some flaws, the trendy plot-filled with royal intrigue, romance, and a dangerous competition-is sure to make this new fantasy series a popular choice in middle and high school libraries. Hand this one to fans of Sarah J. Maas, Kiera Cass, and Evelyn Skye.-Liz Overberg, Zionsville Community High School, IN

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 The kingdom of Eden is surrounded by walls, with windmills that power lights to keep the city safe from monsters. Inside those walls, royal twins Carys and Andreus protect each other from gossip. Neither was meant to inherit the throne, but when their father and older brother are killed under suspicious circumstances, succession falls to Carys and Andreus. But the ruling council has ulterior motives, and they demand that the siblings undergo a brutal Trial of Succession. Andreus, beloved by the people, has a secret, and his sister has always helped him keep it. But Carys has weaknesses of her own, and the machinations of the people around the siblings might destroy them. Charbonneau (Need, 2015) makes her first foray into high fantasy with this series starter. The world of Eden is not always fully developedreaders will likely walk away with a few questionsbut Charbonneau's skill as a thriller writer will hook readers as the tension between the siblings grows and the Trial of Succession rushes towards an explosive end. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-selling Charbonneau has gathered a significant audience, and this new fantasy will give them plenty to sink their teeth into.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
After their father and older brother are mysteriously killed, twins Carys and Andreus, each with an equal claim to the throne, must compete for it. Though Carys has spent her life protecting Andreus, mounting distrust between them turns the contest deadly serious. While Andreus's inner conflict strains credulity, Carys's struggle between her sense of justice and her protective instincts toward her brother is compelling.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)