Mistwood by Leah Cypess

genre: young adult fantasy

Isabel is a Shifter, a legendary and powerful being that is bound to whomever sits on the throne in Samorna. She is sworn to protect the king and when Prince Rokan comes to the Mistwood to claim her protection, she cannot deny him. Upon reaching the castle, though, she finds that she cannot change shape the way she used to - and emotions that have never clouded her thinking or reactions before are making her task challenging when it should be effortless. Intrigue within the court and political secrets slowly reveal to Isabel the depth of what she's buried in and she needs to figure out - soon - how to reign in her powers again to protect the prince.

Cypess is a STORYTELLER. The text is lyrical and yet powerful. I could not put this book down because of the intricate and interesting story and because of the complex and engaging characters. Isabel is fascinatingly created - she is so incredibly strong, agile and capable and yet, the "weakness" that she begins to find in herself makes her feel so real. Prince Rokan is subtle and well-rounded and their enemies are hard to get a grip on. The romantic thread is so slight and yet so perfect that I wouldn't change a thing (well, maybe ONE more page :).

Cannot wait to read more from this author.


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