Daughter of Dusk by Livia Blackburne--ESSENTIAL

Blackburne, Livia, Daughter of Dusk. Pgs. 378. Hyperion, 2015. $17.99.

Language: G, Mature Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

Kyra, an orphan raised on the streets and thief, never imagined she would be a part of the palace guard. Half cat, however, she must keep her identity a secret or risk being hunted like the rest of her Demon Rider kin. Tensions start to  rise between her and Tristan as well as within Forge’s Council. As vicious Demon Rider attacks continue in surrounding villages, Kyra knows she must do something to save her city. But she walks a dangerous line between opposing armies. Will she be able to use her link to the Demon Riders for good, or will her Makvani blood prove to be deadly? As a lord’s son with a secret, can Kyra trust Tristam? Will she ever be accepted for what she is? 

Kyra is a well-developed, engaging character that readers will want to follow. The plot is fast-pace and easily draws the reader into Kyra’s world. Fans of Rae Carson will enjoy reading this book. 

MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.