Prince of Fortune

September 1, 2024
The story of two young men in love who are caught up in war and others' expectations. Lord Aubrey Ainsley is excited to attend his first event at Talstam Palace. There, he meets heir to the throne Prince Edmund, who's also 16. The two strike up an amiable conversation before Aubrey saves the prince's life during an attack by political protestors. Edmund finds himself reluctant to leave the young man's side during his recuperation. Soon, their friendship blossoms into a deep attraction. But Edmund is a rare Prince of Fortune, someone who's able to magically influence the weather and plants (the rest of the royals control other elements), and he's slated to lead the country to greatness. He feels burdened by pressures that prevent him from leading a happy life of his own choosing. In alternating third-person narratives, Tirreno's debut gives romance fans the chance to revel in the love of a happy couple, while adventure-seekers will particularly enjoy the second half of the story, after Aubrey joins the army. Aubrey has prophetic dreams, and some citizens are Seers, people whose "visions always come to pass"--a worldbuilding element that weakens some of the suspense; the intriguingly imagined antagonists also remain largely offscreen. In this fantasy realm of racial, gender, and sexual equality, Aubrey is pale, and Edmund, who has "rich olive" skin, is biracial. An entertaining blend of romance and action.(Fantasy. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 13, 2024
Grades 9-12 With war in the air over the kingdom of Saben, minor noble Aubrey Ainsley and crown prince Edmund could not have chosen a worse time to fall in love. The early days of their attraction are punctuated by minor attacks throughout the kingdom, and as both boys are of age and in possession of vital magical gifts, by the time full-blown war crashes down, they're forced to prioritize their kingdom over their budding romance. Homophobia is not a pressing concern in the largely queernormative Saben, but there is an interesting nuance portrayed regarding the consequences of the heir to a throne opting for a relationship that will not result in children. However, like many other details that hint at a fascinating second-world setting, this nuance is obscured by the glut of world building snippets introduced in the narrative. The plot has great potential but at times suffers from similar oversaturation. Ultimately, while patient readers may find the final payoff worthwhile, the pacing and plot structure firmly create more adult crossover appeal rather than direct teen interest.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 12, 2024
Sixteen-year-old Prince Edmund of Saben is predestined to be a great and beloved king. This and his title as a Prince of Fortune—a magic user capable of controlling the weather, an ability that enhances crop growth and makes him revered among the nation’s people—marks him as a coveted marriage candidate. With a prophesied confrontation on the horizon with Honal, a secretive nation that split from Saben following a civil war, diplomatic alliances are more important than ever. But when Edmund and Lord Aubrey Ainsley, also 16, cross paths, all political plans are thrown into disarray. Though Aubrey is a seer, he’s not considered nobility, yet his charm and confidence melds immediately with Edmund’s shy and anxious nature. Now they must navigate the politics of their courtship, all while the war begins in earnest, with Honal launching brutal attacks enhanced by mysterious magic. Debut author Tirreno excels at crafting a bewitching backdrop of courtly intrigue and fictional international politics that highlights differing social dynamics and the effects of war on lower-class citizens. Readers will root for Saben’s victory alongside Aubrey and Edmund’s sweetly unfolding romance. Main characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.