The Plot: Jennifer Chance's Court of Talons definitely lived up to its description. We follow Talia, the firstborn female of the Tenth House, who needs to pretend to be the younger sibling to survive. Male first born are bonded to Divhs (creatures from another plain) and are called warrior knights. These warrior knights are part of the protectorate compete in an annual meet to earn a seat in the Court of Talons. En route to her fiance's house, Talia and her brother Merritt are besieged by marauders and Merritt succumbs to his wounds. Driven by sadness, Talia accidentally bonds with the Divh, Gent and needs to travel to the protectorate in his guise and bring honor to her house.
The Characters: Talia is a gem, coming to her own, learning the intrigues of a new political system that she was previously shunned from. Nazar as the mysterious priest of Light (Brom from Eragon, if you will), who guides her with his Confucius reminiscent sayings. Caleb, the one armed, street urchin who owes his life to Talia and is their eyes and ears. Fortiss, the tall, dark handsome heir to the throne who is not bonded to a Divh - his escapades with Talia and Merritt are the comedic interlude to the plot.
Overall the books is an amazing kickstart to the series with book 2 coming soon. The pace is slow in the beginning to establish the principles, codes and magic governing this world. The political machinations and social structures are beautifully rendered and Talia is a lodestone to test the boundaries of their systems.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for this opportunity and a salute to Jennifer Chance on a rocking start to a splendid series!
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