Carson's sequel to her debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, is a superb fantasy built around an exceptional heroine. Just months after leading her adopted country to victory against the sorcerers of Invierne, 17-year-old Queen Elisa has to deal with spies, a possible traitor in the palace, and pressure from her own council to marry or cede power to a regent. Additionally, the Inviernos are back, and they want her to sacrifice herself willingly to them, or they will rain destruction and death on her people. Dodging attempted assassination and kidnapping, Elisa is pulled by the mysterious Godstone embedded in her navel to find the zafira, the soul of the world and the source of its magic, embarking on a gripping journey that ramps up the tension and sets up the finale. Carson avoids the dips that often haunt bridge books: expert pacing and well-drawn characters are masterfully integrated with Elisa's continued growth as she deals with the shifting political situation, resulting in a dramatic and gratifyingly romantic novel that smoothly follows its predecessor. Ages 13-up. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

The sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011) immediately plunges the reader back into Elisa's life and thoroughly imagined world, in which she must take charge of herself and of her people as their new ruler. The magic Godstone carried in her belly continues to guide her decision-making when she is faced by questions of whom to trust and where to seek powerful aid. In this episode, love blooms between 17-year-old Elisa and her personal guard, Hector, a romance that is fraught not only by apparent differences in station but also by enemy spies and the jealous ministrations of Elisa's lifelong nurse. Caron's world building and character development do not lag in this middle part of a trilogy, and the heat of the love story makes this accessible even for those who have yet to read the first volume (although they will then race for it). Both religion and politics play roles that invite discussion, and Elisa, not only brave but brilliant, tracks her own growing awareness with a self-consciousness credible for her age.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 8 Up-The skirmish with Inviernos is over, but Chosen One Queen Lucero-Elisa's struggles continue. King Alejandro is dead, leaving Elisa sole ruler until Prince Rosario comes of age. Additionally, she has yet to fulfill-or even understand-the destiny that awaits her at the enemy's gates. Surviving Inviernos Animagi covet her godstone's powers, and her own people doubt her ability to fulfill her royal duties. Worse, there's a traitor in her midst. Fleeing both suitors and assassins, and inspired by a forgotten religious text, Elisa embarks on a quest to find the mythical Zafira, the source of her godstone's powers and the gate of life. But this journey won't be easy. In the second book (2012) in her trilogy, Carson proves adept at building beautifully imaginative worlds and populating them with rich and complex characters. Narrator Jennifer Ikeda is equally proficient at bringing these worlds and their inhabitants to life. Unfortunately, this sequel doesn't conjure the same magic as Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011, both Greenwillow). Although war is a main plot point, Elisa's attitude towards it feels too detached for one who lost so much. Also, Elisa's overall behavior-indecisive, vulnerable, insecure-seems a step backward from the immense strength she gained in the previous book. The leisurely meandering plot and unresolved sexual tension between Elisa and Hector will likely frustrate action-hungry listeners. A cliffhanger will have listeners awaiting the finale.-Alissa Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Having been catapulted into queendom via the dramatic events of The Girl of Fire and Thorns, the recently widowed Elisa strives to be a fair ruler and defend her authority in the face of domestic political intrigue piled atop external threats from external enemies. When her Godstone (a stone embedded in her navel that channels divine power) draws her on a quest to find a legendary magical-spiritual power source, she and a handful of companions -- including steadfast romantic interest Hector, Lord-Commander of the Royal Guard -- embark on a dangerous trip south to learn more about the mysterious deity who guides them. Elisa is an uncommonly tough heroine who starts the book as a hesitant leader and grows increasingly savvy and ruthless throughout the narrative as she makes some hard, unpopular choices. Assassination attempts and perilous journeys ensure nonstop action for the adventure-minded reader, and a bracing conclusion opens the door for further revelations about this pseudo-Spanish/Mediterranean fantasy world. Reminiscent of Cashore's Bitterblue (rev. 5/12) in its exploration of the intricacies of leadership, a nation recovering from trauma, and a heroine who must sacrifice her personal happiness for the greater good, this sequel is even better than its predecessor. claire e. gross (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Intelligent and thoughtful Elisa must negotiate diplomacy, religion and personal desire. Her Majesty Queen Lucero-Elisa became sole ruler of Joya d'Arena through luck (both good and bad), wise strategic decisions and the holy magic of the Godstone embedded in her navel (The Girl of Fire and Thorns, 2011). Keeping her kingdom, on the other hand, will require diplomacy, political acumen, mercy--and deception. Elisa must fight everything from assassination attempts to rioting mobs, all while defending her country against the terrifying foreign sorcerers with "pale peach" skin and "hair the syrupy gold of honey," who only recently brought fiery destruction on her nation's capital. Elisa, deeply pragmatic and deeply religious, is required repeatedly to make intelligent, unselfish choices for the good of her nation. The lush details of this magical world are thoroughly intertwined with the profound religious faith of both heroes and villains, where each revelation leads to a crack in Elisa's worldview. Those who find no YA fantasy complete without a steamy romance will be thrilled by Elisa's growing passion for her best friend and closest adviser--who is, of course, completely off-limits. Though this series entry moves somewhat slowly, newly discovered mysteries about this fantasyland's history--not to mention the torments of unresolved sexual tension--will have readers clamoring for volume three. (Fantasy. 13-16)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.