Torn

Description

In a time of revolution, everyone - - even a humble seamstress plying her magic to support her family - must take a side. Sophie is a young dressmaker who, with hard work, talent, and a rare proficiency sewing spells into cloth, has managed to open her own shop and lift herself and her brother, Kristos, out of the poverty that plagues their immigrant community. Her reputation for beautiful ballgowns and discreetly-embroidered charms for luck, love, and protection secures her a commission from the royal family itself -- and the commission earns her the attentions of a dashing but entirely unattainable duke. Meanwhile, her brother, a day laborer with a keen mind and a thirst for justice, rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement. Their worlds collide when the revolution's shadow leader takes Kristos hostage and demands that Sophie place a curse on the queen's new Midwinter costume -- or Kristos will die at their hand. As the proletariat uprising comes to a violent climax, Sophie must choose: between her brother and the community of her birth, and her lover and the life she's striven to build.

Rowenna Miller grew up in a log cabin in Indiana and still lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, where she teaches English composition, trespasses while hiking, and spends too much time researching and recreating historical textiles. Visit her website http:/www.rowenamiller.com

Torn challenges readers to thoughtfully consider all sides of social change by humanizing each perspective. Readers interested in classic fantasy, feminism, adventure, and a bit of romance will enjoy this thought-provoking book.--Booklist [A] wonderful debut.--BookPage A delight, woven through with rich detail. Magic, sewing, and an achingly good romance -- what's not to love? A deeply satisfying read. I'm dying for the next one!--Alexandra Rowland A gorgeous weave of romantic fantasy and urgent politics.--Anna Smith Spark A joy to read.... Found myself swept away into the world and character.--Tenacious Reader Deep, socially aware fantasy, plus a very cool magical system.--Deborah Ross Highly recommend.... Fun, excitement, and magic all sewn into one amazing story.--The Speculative Herald I thoroughly enjoyed this story, especially the touch of magic added by the spell-casting through sewing.... The characters were well written, and the twist at the end is perfectly believable.--The Qwillery Impossible to put down. I will be impatiently awaiting the sequel.--Books, Vertigo & Tea Miller deftly weaves a thrilling tale of revolution and turmoil in a complex fantasy world.--Cass Morris Miller places immigrant ambition and women's lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever and subtly fierce fantasy.--Tasha Suri Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!--Melissa Caruso One of the best novels I've read this year! Torn is masterfully written -- full of fascinating politics and compelling characters in a vividly rendered, troubled city. Sophie is a believable, layered, and wonderful heroine; her journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a joy to read. I absolutely loved this book!--Sarah Beth Durst Positively enchanting.... I loved every page!--Powder & Page Real stakes combined with a clever, unique magic system.--B&N SciFi & Fantasy Blog Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system.--Kirkus