I was impressed by this fantasy. It is unique and has a fairly sophisticated story. The concept of the sin eater was compelling and I found the world building to be very well done. The romance is a little angsty, but not over done. I will definitely read the next installment of this series.

Book Description from Indigo.ca:
A startling, seductive, deliciously dark debut that will shatter your definition of YA fantasy.
16-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she’s engaged to the prince, no one speaks to her. No one even looks at her. Because Twylla isn’t a member of the court. She’s the executioner.
As the goddess-embodied, Twylla kills with a single touch. So each week, she’s taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love her. Who could care for a girl with murder in her veins? Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to her touch, avoids her.
But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose playful smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he’s able to look past Twylla’s executioner robes and see the girl, not the goddess. Yet a treasonous romance is the least of Twylla’s problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies — a plan that requires an unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

ETA - I forgot to make release notes on this one. I passed it along at the Calgary Bookcrossing meeting at Cravings on Nov 14. Happy Reading!

Picked up at the November 2015 Calgary BookCrossing Meeting at Cravings.

I was totally taken in by the cover art, so I had to bring this home from the Calgary Bookcrossing meeting. The premise looks not dissimilar to Graceling, which I loved.

I loved this story. The world-building was really interesting and really unique. I've wanted to read a fantasy novel where science isn't entirely used by the bad guys forever and I've finally got one! And the magic involved is still really interesting and complicated.

My only criticism of the book is that there isn't enough of it. Partly because I just want more (it's okay, there's a sequel), but actually I would also have really liked it if the really stunning final twist of the story got a bit more breathing room.

Now excuse me I have to go buy the sequel.

I loved this book. The world-building is really unique and interesting, given that its quite a short book, in the grand scheme of things the mythology has tons of depth. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series, and spending a bit more time in this universe.

I especially loved the mix of magic and science the different societies use, and the mix of both real magic and mythology.

There's two twists to this and they're both really shocking.

I am taking this back to the Calgary Bookcrossing Group.

Finally was able to journal this one - its been buggy!

Taken to the july meeting!

To the finder:
Calgary has an active group of BookCrossers that meet to swap books and discuss book crossing every second Saturday of the month at 11am at Cravings Market on Fairmount Drive SE. We always love to meet new crossers, so please join us any time you like!

We had a backyard meetup to exchange books. Needed a shade umbrella!

I was divided between really liking this and not being sure about it.

I was at a meetup at Cravings and passed this along to another reader.

Picked up at the Calgary bookcrossing meetup but must have forgotten to journal it. Loved the story and the twists. Borrowed the next two books from the library and was satisfied with the series.

picked up at the September meeting