Tomi Adeyemicalls it fierce and unrelenting.Hafsah Faizalsays its vicious and alluring.
And the buzz within the YA community only continues to build.
When it comes toAll the Stars and Teeth, few 2020 titles are generating as much excitement.
Credit: Macmillan
EW has been able to preview the book, and so we can understand why.
The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, its never been a choice.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder and more peril than Amora anticipated.
EW can share an exclusive first-look at the book.
Excerpt fromAll the Stars and Teeth, by Adalyn Grace
This day is made for sailing.
The oceans brine coats my tongue and I savor its grit.
Through the morning haze sits an outline of cloud-shrouded mountains that shape the kingdoms northernmost island, Mornute.
Its one of the six islands Ive not yet seen but will one day rule.
Where are we headed?
To the volcanos of Valuka?
The forests of Suntosu?
The weather is gentle enough that my words carry to the bow where Father stands, overlooking the water.
Years at sea have wrinkled his tanned olive skin, making him appear older than his forty years.
The wrinkles also make him look stern, which I like.
Aridas High Animancer, the King of Visidia, should always appear stern.
The sea is a dangerous beast, Amora, he says.
And you are too precious to lose.
But prove your strength to our people tonight, and Ill know youre capable of braving it.
For now, focus on earning the throne.
His deep brown eyes flicker to me, and he grins.
And on announcing your engagement.
Ferrick is a fine enough man, if one dreams of settling down with a childhood acquaintance.
But I prefer my daily suitors, and their gifts.
Boys in the kingdom think they can buy my love and title, and I let them believe it.
Nothing can compare to the lavish trinkets of hungry suitors, and Im not keen on ending their generosity.
Fathers words are low but firm; something in his eyes shifts.
Hes not talking about my impending engagement.
Instinctively, my hand goes to the leather satchel resting on my hip.
The contents inside clatter as I touch their rigid edges.
I am, I say, though the words are bolder than I feel.
Tonight, Ive only one chance to prove Im fit to claim the title of Animancera master of souls.
But my people wont settle for agoodperformance.
They demand excellence, and Ill give them just that.
Its beautiful, yet a thick knot of bitterness constricts my chest as we approach.
I venture to ignore it, but it sinks into my gut like an anchor.
I love Arida, but gods, what I wouldnt give to turn this ship around and keep sailing.
Our sails bloat as wind hauls us toward the harbor, and Father readies himself to dock.
As Im one of only two potential Montara heirs, he tells me travel is too dangerous.
But that just means its time to try harder.
Today is my birthday, after all.
I shoo my worries away with the seagulls that circle the main mast and join him.
Fathers lips pucker as I smile; he knows exactly what I want.
Theres not much time left before we dock.
The waters are growing shallow, beating angrily against the ship as we near Arida.
Father squares his shoulders to block me out.
I duck around him to claim his stare.
Fathers sigh makes his broad chest quiver.
Like my hands were built for this.
You must go slowly, Father says, but Im only half listening.
Its strong, fearless, but I sense its reluctance to listen to me.
I scrape my nail gently against the wood and twist the helm, just an inch.
The ship shudders in response, considering me.
Father lingers close, his hands twitchy and ready to take over should something go awry.
I wont let it.
I am Amora Montara, Princess of Visidia and heir to the High Animancers throne.
There is no ship I cannot sail.
There is nothing I cannot master.
Its not a big shift, but the ship is challenging me, and Im not one to lose.
I adjust my grip on the helm to correct it.
I dont need to look up to know were coming into shallow water.
Tighten the grip of your left hand.
Fathers voice is distant, but I do as he says.
The ship creaks in response.
I am Amora Montara.I dig my nail intoThe Duchessagain when the ship quivers.The power of Arida is within me.
The Duchessgroans as we hit the sand, and the impact rattles my chest.
Jagged wood scuffs my cheek, causing the ship to laugh as it settles into the sand.
I pull back, running a finger along my skin.
It comes away dripping blood.
The ship has won, and she knows it.
I cant remember the last time anything made me bleed.
Fathers voice cracks in horror.
Anger swells in my belly as I glare at the hands that have betrayed me.
All it had to do was listen.
By Catos blade, youre bleeding.
Tonight, I must be perfect.
Theres no room for ugly injuries that signal weakness.
Its just a scratch.
I shoo him away.
Mira will be able to cover it.
Father wears guilt in the wrinkles between his pinched brows.
The sight of it makes anger rip through my veins like poison.
Its not his fault Im bleeding.
Its not his fault Im only strong when Im backed by my magic.
I take Fathers arm before he can say anything else.
Though shes hardly older than myself, Miras sharp face is prematurely wrinkled from constant anxiety.
When she catches sight of my cheek, she gasps and draws me forward.
Today of all days.
She fishes a handkerchief from her pocket and rubs it across my cheek.
The wounds fresh, so we may be able to conceal it if we act quickly.
Come, lets get you ready.
I glance back at Father, seeking his smile of encouragement.
You know they wont tell you anything.
Though her voice is soft, the words feel like claws.
Not until after your performance.
I shake Miras hand away, letting the ship steal my attention.
Its wood creaks with laughter as it settles onto the sand, mocking me.
**
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