Everyone in the island kingdom of Visidia can learn to use magic, and can choose for themselves which of the six types of magic to learn – except for Princess Amora. As heir to the throne and member of the Montara bloodline, she is the only option to become High Animancer, the master of soul magic. But when the time comes to prove herself to her people, she loses control and has to find another way to convince everyone that she is the right choice to lead her kingdom. All the Stars and Teeth, the debut novel from Adalyn Grace, is a coming-of-age story set in a world with magic, adventure, pirates, mermaids, and more.

Amora has been training her entire life knowing that she is the only choice to follow in her father’s footsteps, only practicing soul magic. She has accepted this burden knowing how dangerous and gory it can be, since she needs blood, bones, and fire to practice it. Additionally, the magic can potentially consume her if she cannot control it. Unfortunately, during the public ceremony that solidifies her suitability to rule, Amora loses control and frightens her people. Her father and guards place her in custody until further notice; luckily for her, a pirate named Bastian helps her escape on the condition that she helps him retrieve his own magic that was stolen from him. Seeing no other choice, she decides to leave with him hoping that she can find the answer to earn her people’s trust back. 

Amora has been told that people can practice only one type of magic, otherwise their bodies cannot handle it and they become fatally ill. However, as Amora embarks on her journey with Bastian, she learns that her father has been lying to her about her family’s history and his past. Additionally, a rebellion is on the rise and she must figure out a way to stop the man behind it in order to prevent an attack on her family and potential war. Additional characters – Ferrick, who is Amora’s fiance through an arranged marriage; and Vataea, a vindictive mermaid who could have a book series of her own – help to complete the crew and play important roles on Amora’s journey. 

Adalyn Grace has successfully created a relatable protagonist with the drive and determination to overcome her fears in order to find another way to help her kingdom and right her father’s wrongs. This is Amora’s story. I felt her emotions through the page and was in awe of her bravery during her adventures – especially because she had been sheltered her whole life and trusted that everything her father told her was the truth. Top it off with detailed word-building, chemistry between characters, funny moments, and a handy magic system, and readers will have a hard time putting All the Stars and Teeth down. 

Adalyn was gracious enough to meet with me for an interview during C2E2 weekend to discuss her experience as a first-time published author and how she developed Amora’s story and the magical world. The sequel to All the Stars and Teeth, titled All the Tides of Fate, has been written but no word on publish date just yet. In the meantime, I encourage my fellow bookworms to give this book a shot and check out Episode 75 of The Nerd Cantina show for the interview with Adalyn Grace.