I’ve been stuffing my Kindle a lot lately, so now, I’m making an attempt to read all the lovely books I purchased. I thought I’d review this one, not sure if I’ll review all of them.
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart is a captivating Jamaican-inspired YA fantasy novel that weaves together political intrigue, revenge plots, and magical systems with remarkable skill.
The story centres on two powerful witches: Iraya, a divine empress heir who has spent years in captivity, and Jazmyne, the current ruler’s daughter who secretly plots against her own mother. Despite being natural enemies with every reason to destroy each other, these two form an uneasy alliance driven by their shared goal of vengeance.
Smart creates a richly detailed world drawing heavily from Jamaican folklore and culture. The magic system is particularly impressive – complex, well-developed, and deeply integrated into the societal structures. The author doesn’t rush to explain everything at once, instead allowing readers to gradually discover the rules and limitations of the magic alongside the characters.
The narrative alternates between Iraya and Jazmyne’s perspectives, offering insight into both sides of a generations-long conflict. This dual viewpoint approach effectively builds tension as their individual machinations continuously threaten their fragile alliance. Smart excels at creating morally complex characters whose motivations remain compelling even when their actions are questionable.
The pacing is deliberate, particularly in the first half, as Smart establishes her intricate world. However, the political manoeuvring, court intrigue, and character development are engaging enough to maintain interest until the plot accelerates in the latter half.
This is a great book for readers who enjoy fantasy with complex female protagonists, richly developed cultural worldbuilding, intricate political schemes and detailed magic systems. “Witches Steeped in Gold” offers a fresh voice in fantasy literature that stands out for its unique cultural perspective and sophisticated storytelling. It’s a promising start to what appears to be an ambitious fantasy series.
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