The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
Hey! Sorry I haven’t been able to write which is now about a
month but I have been so busy with parties and revision that I haven’t had the
chance to read (I know) let alone write a book review. I don’t think it gives
the book away when I say that every page is a plot twist! This book review is
going to be really hard, trying to describe the book as well as not giving it
away. Anyway, here it goes.
I have to admit, I didn’t really enjoy reading the first
parts of this book because it all seemed a bit unrealistic (I’m not into those
kind of books) but I soon started enjoying it and getting used to it. I had to
accept it for what it was. The book seems historic and set in a feudalist/
medieval castle and grounds. A young girl is adopted by the castle and it is
her purpose as a weapon to punish traitors. Twylla (still don’t know if I’m
saying it properly) is blessed by the gods and has the ability to kill people
with one single touch. I suppose you could say that it’s her special power. However,
her powers make her isolated because this poison in her skin means that she
cannot hug or touch anyone without killing them. No one is immune. They will
die if she touches them! The queen takes advantage of this and anyone that
annoys her will be killed by Twylla. Twylla’s special power has cost her her
family and friends.
Twylla is adopted by the royal family which includes Merek
who she is destined to marry. The King is Merek’s stepfather who is kind to
both Merek and Twylla but the queen is the one everyone fears. She is Twylla’s
puppet master. All of the castle fear putting one foot out of line because she
could order Twylla to kill them. The royal family has gone through some harsh
times including the loss of their daughter and they believe that Twylla is
their gift from the gods to ‘replace’ her. That’s what they tell the people
anyway.
The castle and grounds believe in the gods who have chosen
Twylla to be marry the prince, Merek, and be Dauen Embodied (meaning she can
kill people). Twylla has to be protected and is therefore anointed a new guard
called Leif who is very outspoken and tries to tell Twylla the truth. But what
is the truth?
Twylla’s mother is a Sin Eater who eats all the foods
representing their sins after people’s deaths. Before Twylla is adopted, she is
destined to fulfil this role too. I would not want to do that. She saw living
with the queen a dream. It is any girl’s dream to be adopted by a queen and
become a princess. But at that age, Twylla didn’t know the truth and maybe that’s
why her mother refused to keep in contact with her.
This book is somehow intertwined with folklore of the castle
which keeps re-emerging throughout the book but it isn’t until the end when you
realise how prevalent the tale of “The Sleeping Prince” is. If you are planning
to read this, which you should be, make sure you pay special attention to it.
I hope you have enjoyed this and I hope you make the time to read it. It's worth it!
