The Assays of Ata
by K.I.S.
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
ISBN: 9780796173607
Print Length: 612 pages
Reviewed by Jadidsa Perez
The cast-aside Ata must be a catalyst for change in this beastly, majestic fantasy.
Ata is a spy deep in the Hårbørgen Palace, which houses the Cinnae royal family, rivals of Ata’s home kingdom, Pandi.
Here, she has taken on the role of an innocent scullery maid in order to gain access to information and report back to her close confidant and member of the Pandi royal court. While her cover seems impeccable, she’s eventually discovered by Lord Iansso, adviser to the former Cinnae king, and Lord Svensso, the illegitimate son of said former king.
Rather than report her, Lord Iansso divulges that he’s actually on her side, and Lord Svensso trusts Lord Iansso’s intuition. The instant attraction between Ata and Svensso is palpable, yet is expressed as mutual disdain.
However, Ata’s second life as a maid is short-lived when a horde of beastly, anthropomorphic monsters named Gruxhoon attack the Hårbørgen Palace. While escaping, Ata makes the split decision to save two young Cinnae princes. Although the Gruxhoon were once considered nearly extinct, they have come out of hiding and have been attacking the humans residing on their continent. The once rivaling kingdoms must come together for the sake of survival.
As a first installment of a series, The Assays of Ata hits every mark for a standout start to a chronicle. Some of your favorite tropes are utilized, like rivaling kingdoms, star-crossed lovers, and an archaic prophecy. Rather than feel platitudinous though, this novel up-cycles them in a complex, engaging way. There’s a rich, detailed history presented that makes a Cinnae individual distinct from a Pandi individual, visible from their values down to their simple greetings. The romance is also integral, but it does not overshadow the crucial conflict that happens throughout. If anything, the war with the Gruxhoon and love, whether romantic or familial, hold each other in a tender balance.
Ata is an excellent protagonist for this story. She comes off as infallible at times, considering her great military feats and her unprecedented magical abilities, but she shows her flaws too. Her fear of rejection and her anger at being looked down on because of her lineage force her into some tough situations. She’s a character that readers will have no problem connecting with and rooting for.
The language is also quite remarkable. The antiquated verbiage adds greatly to the ambiance and allows for the characters to communicate with eloquence. In one such example, Cinnae Princess Lenna says that Cinnae women are “‘less than useless due to being treated by their respective societies like spun glass. Now we will all shatter for our lack of usefulness.’” In comparison, Pandi women are taught military training and hard labor.
Fantasy readers in awe of great worldbuilding and immersive prose will be glad to join Ata on this adventure and whatever comes next.
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