Twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are tasked with special gifts - Moria as the Keeper and Ashyn as the Seeker. Each year, they journey to the Forest of the Dead to help departed spirits. However, their trip goes wrong, leading to a series of events that force them to make uncomfortable decisions while trying to stay true to their calling.

The story is set in a high fantasy world where Moria and Ashyn, as twins, have been destined to serve their village as keeper and seeker. The plot revolves around their journey to find each other after their village is destroyed, uncovering sinister forces at play and facing challenges that test their abilities and convictions.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing distinct personalities and relationships, particularly the strong bond between the twin sisters.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is fast-paced and engaging with balanced descriptions, though some pacing issues occur, causing certain segments to feel slow.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features twin sisters on a perilous quest, intertwining themes of duty, spirituality, and personal growth amidst a backdrop of horror and adventure.

Setting:

The setting is a richly imagined fantasy world influenced by ancient Asian culture, characterized by a detailed caste system.

Pacing:

The pacing is variable, with slow sections at the beginning contrasted by later heightened action, occasionally disrupted by switches in perspective.

After three days of tramping across endless lava fields, Ronan quickened his steps at the sight of the forest. He swore he could feel soft earth under his feet, hear birds in the treetops, even smell ...

Notes:

The story is set in a world where twins have significant roles as Keepers and Seekers, who deal with spirits.

Moria and Ashyn, the main characters, are identical twins with different personalities—Moria is brave and impulsive while Ashyn is quiet and studious.

The duo has bond beasts: Daigo, a wildcat for Moria, and Tova, a giant yellow hound for Ashyn.

Each year, they enter the Forest of the Dead to quiet the restless souls of exiled criminals.

Their mother died trying to protect them from a brutal test to determine if they were suitable for their roles.

The action takes place in a village called Edgewood, which guards the passage to the deadly forest.

There's a caste system in their world, with only the warrior caste allowed to wield edged weapons.

The world includes elements of Asian influence, with a warrior tradition reminiscent of Japanese samurai.

Ronan, a condemned thief, is a significant male character who seeks to survive and support his family.

Gavril, another important character, is the son of a disgraced warrior from the Kitsune clan, which symbolizes foxes in Japanese culture.

The book explores themes of sisterhood, duty, and survival against dark forces and legendary creatures.

It ends with a cliffhanger, pushing readers to anticipate the next book, Empire of Night.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, threats, murder, and darker themes such as child molestation and slaughter.

Has Romance?

The book features a medium level of romance, mainly evident through the developing relationships of the characters, particularly Moria and Gavril.

From The Publisher:

Kelley Armstrong, #1 New York Times bestselling author, takes an exciting new direction with this big, breathtaking blend of fantasy, romance, horror, and pulse-pounding action, perfect for fans of Graceling and Game of Thrones.

Twin sisters Moria and Ashyn were marked at birth to become the Keeper and the Seeker of Edgewood, beginning with their sixteenth birthday. Trained in fighting and in the secret rites of the spirits, they lead an annual trip into the Forest of the Dead. There, the veil between the living world and the beyond is thinnest, and the girls pay respect to the spirits who have passed.

But this year, their trip goes dreadfully wrong.

With all the heart-stopping romance and action that have made her a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and set in an unforgettably rich and dangerous world, this first epic book in the Age of Legends trilogy will appeal to Kelley Armstrong's legions of fans around the world and win her many new ones.

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