From the publisher, “Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous magic. When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.  But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stowaway she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.”

The demonstration of her power goes awry by torturing with the slow dismemberment of a criminal.  Rather gory, but that’s the tools of her trade or magic.  Bastian is the good looking, rugged, determined hero. Ferrick, Amora’s finance, stows away when they flee and quickly proves his worth as his magic heals.  I was very slow to warm up to privileged Amora but her character developed nicely so it was easier to root for her.  Poor Ferrick, at first it seemed he was all in favor of the arranged marriage, but his critical review of Amora’s flaws turned the tide, showing his strength in character.  Vataea, the mermaid, is my favorite as she is vicious and clever and quite likeable.  Her story could be a book in itself. The plot boils down to being an adventure book where the group fights perils, has many near misses, and grow in character during the journey.  It’s fun, but nothing unique in the plot, thus predictable. The story fits a niche and should gain a following with the YA target audience.  Book one of a planned duology.

eGalley review                                              Publication date 02.04.2020