Iliad is a snatchwords. Whatever she reads aloud comes to life right before everyone's eyes. She has a gift for taking tales and adventures, and bringing them to reality. And this gift causes her to be summoned to the palace. Along with this request, a strange and unusual courtship also draws her far from home. So, with her whimsical grandmother to chaperone, Iliad sets off on her own adventure. But court life is unlike anything she expected. Iliad is quickly drawn into one mystery after another. Who can she trust? The king who seems to be playing both sides? Her reclusive suitor? Or the charming prince? Her very life is dependent upon her choice. Where will it lead her?
This book has a great premise. An intelligent woman travels to a foreign land, meets a variety of interesting people, and stands her ground... Both the king and Iliad's suitor strive for justice in the kingdom. There are plenty of references to classic literature and poetry. Many of the elements and themes I look for in books that I want to pass on to my kids But there were definitely trouble spots. This book is listed under middle grades and teens. It is absolutely not a middle-grade read. There are references to Iliad taking off her clothing, being seen in only her shirt, guests to the palace being encouraged to drink to the point of drunkenness, and more. The main characters also display an attraction to each other that is much too mature for the audience. In addition, there are references to other characters, such as the "old bag." Terms and attitudes that kids might be familiar with today but still don't need to be encouraged. There are enough of these instances that I won't be handing this book over to my kids and just can't recommend this title. There are so many great reads out there. This just isn't one of them.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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