From acclaimed fantasy author Mindee Arnett comes an epic, adventurous story of a young mercenary magic-user trying to escape the oppressive island of Rivenand a young noblewoman trying to change it forever.
Mars Darksvane wants out. Out from under the thumb of Una, the crime boss who pulled him off the streets as a child and trained him as an assassin; out from the island country of Riven, where magic, in the form of a dangerous material called Ice, allows the rich to live in luxury and keeps the poor in thrall.
Mars is a secret adepta person born with the ability to channel the magic that flows beneath Rivenand while his power gives him abilities useful to an assassin, it also makes him a target. And when his last mission ends in tragedy, Mars finally decides it’s time to escape to the mainland. No magic, no history, a new life on his own.
But Una has other ideas. If Mars wants his freedom, he’s going to have to perform a final job: protecting Fura Torvaldthe heiress of the rich and powerful Torvald kith, and the daughter of the last man Mars was sent to killand stealing from her a mysterious object known only as the Primer.
Mars has no interest in Fura or whatever the Primer is, nor in Riven’s corrupt and oppressive politics; he just wants to do his job and get out. But as Mars comes to know more about Fura, the Primer, and the true nature of the power in Riven, he realizes that he will soon have to take a side in a fight he has avoided his entire life.
Which side, however, he does not yet know.
Dive into a world of magic, intrigue, and rebellion with Mindee Arnett's captivating novel, *Riven*. This action-packed fantasy adventure, perfect for teens and young adults, blends thrilling escapades with a touch of romance, making it a must-read for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and Holly Black. *Riven* transports you to the oppressive island of Riven, a land where magic, known as Ice, fuels the luxurious lives of the wealthy while binding the poor in servitude. At the heart of this conflict is Mars Darksvane, a young man forged into an assassin by the ruthless crime boss, Una. Mars possesses a secret: he's an adept, capable of channeling the raw magic flowing beneath Riven. This power, while making him a formidable killer, also paints a target on his back. Weary of Una's control and the island's corruption, Mars dreams of escaping to the mainland, shedding his past and embracing a new, magic-free life. However, Una has other plans. To earn his freedom, Mars must undertake one final, perilous mission: protect Fura Torvald, the heiress of the powerful Torvald kith and daughter of Mars's last victim, and steal a mysterious artifact known as the Primer. Fura is more than just a pampered heiress. She's a determined young woman with a burning desire to reform Riven's corrupt system from within. Unlike the other nobles, Fura feels the weight of the poverty and injustice surrounding her and is determined to change things, even if it means challenging her own family. When Mars is thrust into her life, she is suspicious of his motives, but soon begins to see in him a reluctant ally. As Mars and Fura navigate the treacherous political landscape of Riven, their paths intertwine, and their perspectives begin to shift. Mars, initially only interested in escaping, finds himself drawn to Fura's unwavering idealism and the potential for change she represents. He begins to question the morality of his past actions and the true nature of Una's control. The Primer, shrouded in mystery, holds the key to understanding Riven's power structure, and Mars realizes that obtaining it could have far-reaching consequences. Arnett masterfully crafts a world rich in detail, where the allure of magic is intertwined with the stark realities of social inequality. The relationship between Mars and Fura develops organically, moving from mutual suspicion to reluctant partnership and finally, to a powerful bond forged in the face of adversity. Their shared desire to dismantle the oppressive system of Riven forces them to confront their own pasts and make difficult choices that could change the fate of the island forever. *Riven* is a thrilling exploration of power, privilege, and the courage it takes to fight for what's right. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, Mindee Arnett's latest novel is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this epic saga. Readers will be swept away by Arnett's descriptive prose, the intricate world-building, and the emotional depth of the characters. Don't miss out on this captivating tale of rebellion, romance, and the enduring power of hope. Perfect for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and anyone who loves a good adventure story with a strong message.