In the citadel of Appollis, the Gods bestow single gifts on a chosen few. Icari has always known she's a Healer, while her twin sister, Sephie, is cast as an Embalmer, despite showing early promise as an Alchemist - a secret the sisters keep to themselves for possessing two skills is punishable by death.
While Sephie learns how to wrap the dead, Icari eases the suffering of others, including a charismatic enemy prisoner called Caszeil. And it's to Caszeil that Icari turns when demons rise up from the Underworld and kidnap her sister. With his help, perhaps she can rescue Sephie. Even if this means growing wings - and flying in the face of the devil himself . . .
Loosely based on Greek mythology, this soaring - literally - fantasy is a beautiful celebration of sisterhood and bravery in terrible circumstances.
This is a wonderfully realised world, with information given to us at just the right speed so that we can understand what's going on without being overwhelmed by it. Alternating the POV between Icari and Sephie is a stroke of genius, as it allows us to see the world from two different points of view and to follow what's going on with one even when they're separated.
The language is great and I loved the twists - I guessed a couple, but I was taken by surprise by some others, which is the mark of good storytelling! If Anna wants to continue this, I'd love to see what happens next, but if this is all there is it's a good place to end.
Brilliant fantasy, highly recommended.
The Girl Who Grew Wings publishes on the 6th of July, 2023. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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