Her Sharp Embrace

Gr 10 Up–Noa Toussaint leaves her privileged life as the daughter of a baron and joins a crew of magical thieves—for love. ­Lennon, Noa’s object of desire, leads the outlaw crew known as the Nightshades, feared for their skill in the magical city of New Soleil. When tragedy strikes, the crew must be able to maintain their bonds of friendship and sisterhood, or the secrets of what happened one night might tear them apart. This first book in a new series sets up a world that gives off strong ties to real-world New Orleans but has a unique magic system that is not fully explained. While lore and worldbuilding are lacking, there is plenty of character drama. Investigation into the members’ pasts gives readers their current-day motivations, and the relationship between Noa and Lennon shows up along the scale of love down to hate for other members of the crew. This interesting, well-written story will cater more to fans of queer romance and mystery than to those of fantasy. The race of the characters is not mentioned.