Amber and Dusk, written by Lyra Selene, reviewed by Carrie Conner

Summary:  As a baby, Sylvie was abandoned in the darkness of the Dusklands and raised by the Sisters of the Scion to repress her legacy, the ability to create illusions. But in the Amber City where the sun never sets, the Empress reigns and legacies live in a lavish palace. Sylvie travels there determined to take her rightful place among these powerful elites. Instead, when she arrives, she is made sport of as the Empress sets a wager to see if the poor orphan Sylvie can earn her place at court. As "Mirage", Sylvie must learn courtly manners and how to display full control of her power under the guidance of Lullaby, a kind female singer, and the sponsorship of Sunder, a handsome rich male legacy with the power to cause pain with a touch. Political intrigues and revolution threaten as Sylvie must learn where her illusions come from and where she truly belongs. This is the first in a duology.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  While the writing is overly descriptive, this is a solid story from a first-time author. The chemistry between Sylvie and Sunder builds nicely yet remains appropriate for younger readers. The political intrigues keep you interested. Violence and death do occur but the description is not graphic. There is mention of substance abuse by one character and frequent drinking of wine by the aristocracy. The myth-building to explain a world divided into dark and light by the actions of the sun trying to destroy the moon out of jealousy is inventive and symbolic. The story arch of a poor orphan and an evil Empress gives you opportunities to discuss morality, abuse of power, corruption, coup d'état vs. revolution, and different types of governments. However, the magical aspect is central to this coming of age story. Give this book to readers who enjoyed stories like Graceling and Shadow and Bone.