Castner, K.D. Daughters of Ruin. 336p. ebook available. S. & S./Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Apr. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481455411.

Gr 7 Up –Rhea has three sisters, all of them queens of different kingdoms under her father’s regency: tough Cadis, diplomatic Iren, and wild Suki. As the girls grow to adulthood, the politics of their positions become increasingly complex. When the castle is overthrown in a night of violence, their training kicks in and their lives unravel. Told in alternating points of view, the narrative showcases each of the four leads. Like George R.R. Martin before her, Castner uses the conventions of the fantasy genre to lull readers into a false sense of security, then proceeds to take the narrative in a completely different direction. The tag line on the cover is “meet vicious with vicious,” which is apt. The story is complete on its own, but there is clearly room for a sequel. The world-building is excellent. In a very nice touch, the kingdom of Meridan is notable for its inclusiveness: women and men both have leadership roles in the military. This will be an easy sell to fans of fantasy with strong female leads, such as Kristin Cashore’s Graceling (Harcourt, 2008). Though they come from different subgenres, also share with fans of Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles” (Feiwel & Friends) or Robin LaFevers’s “His Fair Assassin” trilogy (HMH). VERDICT Strong female characters, jewelry as weaponry, political double crosses, and surprise twists. What’s not to love?–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH