Stisele of Imlen knows she's in trouble, but not how much. The young adopted daughter of Beltresa's sovereign longs to be a weapon in her mother's service — even against her birth family, should Utroneth ask it. If only Stisele could master the temper that drives her to pepper the royal heir with petty kin-curses.
But Stisele's dreams are bigger than the balance of intrigues that keeps her alive and captive in this perilous royal court. She can be more than a speaker of kin-curses. She deserves a life beyond the palace islet she's never left. Her two imaginary friends, if indeed that's what they are, tell her so.
If Stisele is to make her own life in a world that's not ready for her, she must regain the trust of wary allies. She must begin to control the power of the kin-curse — her imaginary friends are as much hindrance as help. And she will have to give up her place in the only home she's ever known.
The Imlen Brat opens in quite enjoyable territory. Then things start opening up, and moving in surprising directions. A delightful beginning. I look forward to seeing Stisele’s future in all its colors.
— Rich Horton, Editor, The Year’s Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
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