In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, a sixteen year old Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic ― the Red Church. Treachery and trials await her with the Church’s halls, and to fail is to die. But if she survives to initiation, Mia will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the only thing she desires.

Series:

The Nevernight Chronicle

Book 1

Book Type:

YA fantasy

Review: Nevernight

Dark, fierce and vividly brought to life — Jay Kristoff’s story of a would-be assassin ravenous for revenge proves itself a compelling page-turner. The first in a new fantasy trilogy, Nevernight introduces us to the dauntless Mia Corvere, who seeks vengeance against the men who killed her father and destroyed her remaining family.

“Never flinch. Never fear. And never, ever forget.”

Alone, save for the shadow she calls friend, she lurks in the dark, in the City of Bridges and Bones, plotting her revenge. Mia’s life takes a fated turn when she meets Mercurio, who introduces her to the Red Church — a school that produces the deadliest assassins in the Republic of Itreya.

“When all is blood, blood is all.”

There, within the underbelly of a forgettable mountain, where betrayal and treachery are expected, where failure and carelessness mean certain death, 16-year-old Mia learns the art of killing. Only a handful of students become Blades (the chosen who kill in the name of the Lady of Blessed Murder) — a necessity in her retribution. But first, Mia must survive a bevy of deadly trials and become a versed apprentice in sword play, manipulation, thievery, poisons and even seduction.

“… a girl who was to murder as maestros are to music. Who did to happy ever afters what a sawblade does to skin.”

In a place made infamous by blade and blood, Mia finds strength, friendship and surprising truths that continue to pave the way in a journey far from over.

Unflinching, poetic, dark and lush, Kristoff’s Nevernight will leave readers clamoring for more.