Monsters or heroes: Our choices define us.In Zhao's debut, Anastacya, the Crown Princess of Cyrilia, is charged with the murder of her father and is presumed dead herself. For the past 11 months, however, she has been desperately searching for the real murderer. Seeking help, Ana breaks Ramson Quicktongue, a purported criminal mastermind, out of prison. However, Ramson is out for revenge against someone who betrayed him as well as on a mission to regain his status as Deputy of the Order of the Lily, an underground criminal organization that deals in human trafficking. Though at times her emotions feel overwrought, Ana is not the typical damsel in distress. She asks for help when needed but is capable of making ruthless threats and carrying out quick decisions. In fact, readers should take heed of the title, because there is quite a bit of blood spilled from multiple orifices; the path to redemption and revenge is not always pretty. Descriptions such as "lost princess" and the characters' names may lead readers to certain conclusions about the plot, however, they simply evoke the Eastern European-inspired setting; the ruling Northern Cyrilians are pale and have light hair while Ana's mother came from the "tawny-skinned Southern Cyrilians." A secondary character comes from an East Asian-like culture that references yin and yang.No new ground broken but a good read for those looking for bloody action and twisty politics. (map, glossary) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this Russian-tinged fantasy from debut author Zhao, Affinites, exploited within the Cyrilian Empire for their myriad gifts, are trafficked within its borders, conned into contracts of indentured servitude, and made to control various elements. Eighteen-year-old Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess of the Cyrilian Empire, is a secret blood Affinite with the ability to exert physical control over others. After being framed for her father's murder, Ana breaks crime lord Ramson Quicktongue out of prison to find her father's true murderer and clear her name. Ana works to prove her innocence and Ramson works toward revenge against those who betrayed him, and the two become entangled in a revolution that seeks to overthrow the system of indentured servitude. As the dual quest proceeds, Ana reflects on the ethical use of her deadly power, and Ramson, who begins to know Affinites as people rather than commodities, comes to understand the aftereffects of his past support of human trafficking. Zhao's plot imperils its protagonists time and again, leading the arc to feel repetitive and the protagonists less than capable. Still, this pointed exploration into the consequences of exploitation and the defining nature of choices may garner readership despite the melodrama. Ages 12--up. (Nov.)

In a world where special abilities or Affinities are often feared, the Cyrilian Empire's Crown Princess Anastacya Mikhailov's ability to control blood leads her father to keep her hidden inside the palace. After Ana is framed for his murder, she must flee and pursue the killer in order to clear her name. This search leads her to con man Ramson Quicktongue, who takes Ana into the hidden worlds of her Empire, where Affinites are trafficked for their abilities and forced into contracts and where those who Ana thought were supposed to provide justice are instead part of a much deeper corruption. With chapters written from both Ana's and Ramson's perspectives and filled with action, sorrow, and suspense, Zhao's debut is sure to keep readers turning pages. Fantasy lovers will appreciate the rich world building, as well as the detailed character backstories that unravel as the story unfolds. Perfect for fans of Amy Tintera or Sarah J. Maas, but readers should prepare for plenty of heartbreak.--Selenia Paz Copyright 2020 Booklist