Review: Death Sworn (Death Sworn #1) by Leah Cypess

Death Sworn

(Death Sworn #1)

by Leah Cypess

March 4, 2014

352 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

When Ileni lost her magic, she lost everything: her place in society, her purpose in life, and the man she had expected to spend her life with. So when the Elders sent her to be magic tutor to a secret sect of assassins, she went willingly, even though the last two tutors had died under mysterious circumstances.

But beneath the assassins’ caves, Ileni will discover a new place and a new purpose… and a new and dangerous love. She will struggle to keep her lost magic a secret while teaching it to her deadly students, and to find out what happened to the two tutors who preceded her. But what she discovers will change not only her future, but the future of her people, the assassins… and possibly the entire world.
 

Review

This was an interesting fantasy read with lots of magic! The book focused more on explaining the magical aspects of the world which was intriguing. However, considering the setting was inside a cave full of assassins, I was a little let down that we got few action scenes. I need to see some cool moves!

The romance between Ileni and Sorin was slow and not enough. Their relationship was forbidden so I was expecting heart-pounding moments. When things did happen, they didn't feel very natural so I was having a hard time believing in their feelings for each other. Though I did enjoy the few witty banter they shared. It was especially funny when Sorin said they were inevitable since Ileni is the only girl he's ever been around. What a depressing and rude thing to say but coming from Sorin, you can't help but laugh and accept it.

The mystery of it all kept me glued to the pages. I wanted and needed to know! So when all was revealed, the plot twist had me impressed. It was so obvious and simple yet you don't see it coming. Ileni definitely had guts, to refuse Absalm (and Sorin) and turn down that much power. I loved her clever acting that enabled her to slay the master. Smart move!!

I have high hopes for more action in the next book since Ileni is headed to the Empire (aka the outside world). Hopefully we will get to fully experience the Empire through her and I'm excited to see where the story goes!