Davenport's debut novel starts with its heroine, Ikenna Amari, getting into a bar fight and doesn't let up until the last page. Ikenna's grandfather, the hero of the Republic, died unexpectedly three months prior. Ikenna feels adrift, unsure of what to do with her life, until a trusted advisor intimates that her grandfather's death was not an accident. To discover the truth, Ikenna joins the Blood Trials, a series of tests designed to make all participants into ruthless soldiers. But not all who start the trials will survive. Ikenna's world of Iludu is a captivating mix of sf weapons and technology and fantastic gods that bestow magical powers. The plotting is an intricate mix of action, intrigue, and betrayal, with a fast pace and a high body count. Ikenna herself is an emotional protagonist who faces prejudice and adversity head on and at full speed. Thankfully, this is book one of a proposed duology, because revenge is a dish best served cold. Recommended for fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising series.

DEBUT The Republic of Mareen was victorious, barely, over the Blood Emperor and his armies years ago. As Mareen eschews the power of the gods for the advance of technology, the powerful War Houses still favor elitist ideals over anything else, as half-Khanaian Ikenna Amare has witnessed her entire life, due to her dark skin and gender. When she discovers her grandfather, the Legatus, did not die of natural circumstances, and that only the Tribunal could have killed him, she promises vengeance. She joins the Praetorian Trials, a deadly training ritual which only a scarce few survive, but Ikenna's blood runs with power--a dark power that would jeopardize her search for the truth, and even her life--if it was discovered. With few friends, fewer allies, and all the odds against her, Ikenna knows her life may be forfeit, but she will take her enemies with her. Some readers will have trouble with the harsh racism and misogyny in the story, but it supports the themes of classism and discrimination faced by its bold but flawed protagonist. VERDICT Davenport's ambitious debut is gritty and bloody, and balances emotional arcs with fast action. Fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising and Evan Winter's The Rage of Dragons will find similarities in Ikenna's journey.--Kristi Chadwick

Davenport debuts with an ambitious epic that blurs genre lines, setting futuristic technology against a historical fantasy backdrop. In the predominantly white Republic of Mareen, 19-year-old Ikenna Amari's brown skin, courtesy of her Khanaian heritage, makes her a target of racism and bigotry. When she learns that her late grandfather, one of Mareen's most accomplished military leaders, was likely assassinated, a mourning Ikenna vows to uncover the truth. To that end, she applies to the Praetorian Guard, Mareen's deadliest, most elite soldiers. But to join their ranks she must complete life or death trials that kill most applicants--and certain powerful people would be all too happy to see Ikenna among those who don't survive. Her only advantage is her blood-gift, a remnant of now outlawed magic that grants her swift healing and strange powers, but which must remain secret. As Ikenna battles both physical threats and Mareen's systematic racism and sexism, she's forced to reconsider where her loyalties lie, especially as war with the feared Blood-Emperor of Accacia looms. Glimpses of broader worldbuilding hint at the story's scope and set things up for the next installment, but may leave readers frustrated by the lack of answers. Still, this invigorating debut marks Davenport as a writer to watch. Agent: Caitie Flum, Caiti Liza Dawson Assoc. (Apr.)