The Diminished

February 15, 2018
Most are born twins in the Alskad Empire--anything else can be dangerous.Since her twin died, Vi has been a ward of the temple in the city of Penby. Raised by the Suzerain, the religious order that rivals Queen Runa's power, Vi is also a diminished. More commonly known as "dimmys," these twins who have lost their siblings eventually become so grief-stricken that they lose their minds, behaving so violently that they are imprisoned or even executed. Elsewhere in Penby resides Bo, a singleborn boy who's lived a life of luxury as Runa's heir to the throne--until family secrets threaten to destroy the empire. After Vi is banished to the foreign, wild colonies of Ilor, Bo, traveling in disguise, sets out to locate her and solve the mystery of his lineage. Rival factions across the empire create more intrigue that envelops the teens. As the duo learn they may have more in common than they ever thought possible, they also discover their own strengths, loves, and sexuality. Vi and Bo are both white, and both are attracted to men. Other characters contribute to the diversity of ethnicity and sexuality in this story. Rich worldbuilding helps balance the slow, predictable narration told in Bo's and Vi's alternating voices.An intriguing premise and well-constructed setting anchor this fantasy debut. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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February 19, 2018
First in a duology, Patterson’s sprawling debut follows two teenagers living very different lives. As Queen Runa’s favorite nephew, Ambrose “Bo” Trousillion is likely to succeed her as ruler of the Alskad Empire. Obedience “Vi” Abernathy is a foundling who is feared by the public and treated like a slave. In their society, twins who split a conscience are standard, so both Bo and Vi are considered oddities: Bo because he is an only child, and Vi because her twin perished in infancy and, unusually, she has yet to succumb to grief or lose her mind. The two seem fated to remain strangers until a shocking revelation places them both in the crosshairs of the Suzerain religious order and its assassins. After a slow start dense with worldbuilding, Patterson settles into a character-driven narrative that champions self-determination and condemns xenophobia. The key twist connecting the two main characters is obvious, but the story is no less entertaining for it, and it’s easy to root for the couples Patterson has crafted. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US

March 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-For Vi, life in the city is one of hard work and little to show for it; for Bo, life's a breeze and he has wealth and luxury galore. Each has their destiny because of the circumstances of their births: while Vi was born as a twin, Bo is a singleborn, and therefore selected as the inheritor of the Alskad Empire throne. The death of Vi's twin as a baby, however, makes her a potential threat. Known as the diminished, surviving twins don't often last long without their other half and when they die, they often take others with them in a swell of violence. As the two face very different futures, there are some who could destroy the empire with old secrets. This fantasy puts a significant amount of work into unfurling Vi and Bo's world with plenty of exposition and setup. However, once the action really kicks in, readers are in for a wild ride as the two encounter some of their worst fears. Patterson serves up an adventurous story with plenty of opulence in a richly designed world that fans of Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock will appreciate. Surprising alliances paired with themes that reflect modern struggles will remind readers of The Handmaid's Tale while remaining accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for teens. VERDICT Lovers of romance will find enough to satisfy in this epic, while those who enjoy political intrigue will similarly get their fill of it. A strong choice for YA collections.-Abby Hargreaves, District of Columbia Public Library

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