ASSASSIN'S HEART
In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down. Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay. With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance. |
Praise for ASSASSIN'S HEART
Finalist for the 2017 Minnesota Book Award
"The action and adventure packed into this first person narrative will keep the pages turning " School Library Journal
"A Lavishly constructed fantasy world with an intricate society." Kirkus Reviews
"Equal parts adventure, romance, and politics, Ahiers' first novel is astonishingly good. This is a unique twist on a love story and the exciting Godfather-esque plotline adds layers of intrigue." Booklist (starred review)
"Ahiers's Romeo and Juliet-inspired world of gods, angry ghosts, and assassins is darkly lush, and Lea's voice is strong and pragmatic, making for a stylish and rich read." Publishers Weekly
"An electrifying debut that captivated me from the first nail-biting chapter. Spellbinding!" Gennifer Albin, New York Times bestselling author
"Love, death, family--and veangeance. This gripping fantasy thriller will keep you turning the pages all night long." Laura Ruby, author of the Printz Award winning Bone Gap
Finalist for the 2017 Minnesota Book Award
"The action and adventure packed into this first person narrative will keep the pages turning " School Library Journal
"A Lavishly constructed fantasy world with an intricate society." Kirkus Reviews
"Equal parts adventure, romance, and politics, Ahiers' first novel is astonishingly good. This is a unique twist on a love story and the exciting Godfather-esque plotline adds layers of intrigue." Booklist (starred review)
"Ahiers's Romeo and Juliet-inspired world of gods, angry ghosts, and assassins is darkly lush, and Lea's voice is strong and pragmatic, making for a stylish and rich read." Publishers Weekly
"An electrifying debut that captivated me from the first nail-biting chapter. Spellbinding!" Gennifer Albin, New York Times bestselling author
"Love, death, family--and veangeance. This gripping fantasy thriller will keep you turning the pages all night long." Laura Ruby, author of the Printz Award winning Bone Gap
THIEF'S CUNNING, Book 2 of ASSASSIN'S HEART (June 2017)
Allegra Saldana has always had to look over her shoulder. As the niece of the infamous assassin Lea Saldana, Allegra is used to hiding from people who want her dead. Once the strongest clipper family in the Kingdom of Lovero, the Saldanas—or what’s left of them—are now the most hunted. Their number one enemy is the Da Vias, whose thirst for retaliation is almost two decades in the making. At least that’s what Lea has told Allegra her whole life, but lately Allegra’s been feeling like things are being kept from her—including her parents’ identity. So when Allegra finally learns the truth--I’m a Da Via—her world crumbles. Feeling betrayed by the people she trusted the most, Allegra turns to Nev, a Traveler boy whose presence makes her feel alive in ways she’s only dreamed of. But getting caught up in Nev’s world has consequences Allegra never saw coming. In this dark and enthralling fantasy that fans of Sarah Maas and Leigh Bardugo will devour, one girl must decide whether she’s destined to pay for the wrongs of her family’s past…or if the future is hers for the taking. |
Praise for THIEF'S CUNNING
Finalist for the 2018 Minnesota Book Award
"Love and freedom are set in compelling opposition, The climactic battles thrill . . . A well-realized fantasy with strong action and romance." Kirkus Reviews
"Just as the first title was full of fantasy and adventure, this companion does not disappoint." School Library Journal
"The similarities between Lea and Allegra will draw fans of Assassin’s Heart to this companion. The characters are richly developed and appealing to readers. Ahiers is certainly one to watch." Booklist
Finalist for the 2018 Minnesota Book Award
"Love and freedom are set in compelling opposition, The climactic battles thrill . . . A well-realized fantasy with strong action and romance." Kirkus Reviews
"Just as the first title was full of fantasy and adventure, this companion does not disappoint." School Library Journal
"The similarities between Lea and Allegra will draw fans of Assassin’s Heart to this companion. The characters are richly developed and appealing to readers. Ahiers is certainly one to watch." Booklist