City of a Thousand Dolls

Gr 8 Up—The two-child law has existed in the Bhinian Empire since the Second Lotus Emperor restored order. Since then, abandoned infant girls have found a place in the City of a Thousand Dolls, learning skills in one of eight Houses. Nisha, 16, was left at the estate at age 6. Too old to join a House, she became the eyes and ears of the Matron, a useful skill in what is now a time of political intrigue. The home educates and grooms girls for the Redeeming, where money is paid to secure a girl as an apprentice, assistant, mistress, or wife. Each girl hopes to avoid becoming a free servant, or worse, a bond slave. This debut novel imagines a world of magic, gently influenced by historical Japan, China, and India. Girls in the House of Flowers train to join the nobility; the House of Beauty emphasizes loveliness and art, the House of Pleasure is for mistresses and courtesans (girls must volunteer to train there). Healers and scholars train in the House of Jade, and somewhere on the estate exists the House of Shadows. When a girl turns up dead, Nisha and several cats (with whom she communicates telepathically) begin to investigate. There are tea ceremonies, fan dances, combat lessons, a romance with a man of a higher caste, more deaths, and a run-in with the Kildi before everything draws to a close. The plot ranges far and wide and some important characters lack development. The three pages listing dramatis personae help keep straight the eight houses, five castes, court members, sentient animals, and Kildi. However, deep descriptions of any one House or caste are sacrificed, which may frustrate some readers. Consider for larger collections or where fantasy is very popular.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX