Seyo is handmaiden to the princess, but she struggles to be the perfect young woman that an aspiring priestess should be. Instead, she broke one of the most sacred rules. Now she has secret knowledge of the Eternity Gate and a secret past. Katherine Briggs’s debut novel The Eternity Gate explores themes of duty, loyalty, and prophecy in a near-eastern setting. Brisk writing tells a continent-crossing story of political intrigue and war with the backdrop of religious prophecy. The Eternity Gate delivers a satisfying ending that prepares readers for this duology’s final book.

Best for: Teen readers and older fans of epic fantasy with political intrigue.

Discern: Fantasy battle scenes with brief descriptions of abuse, people transformed by forbidden rituals into monsters.