Kelly’s spellbinding fantasy explores what it means to languish unseen, literally, as it follows Sabine Gillesella, a young woman cursed with invisibility—she gives “the impression of a ghost pacing the streets.” As she searches for a cure, revealing deeper truths about her own power and the land’s decaying magic, Sabine navigates magic, oppression, and rebellion in the kingdom of Illyamor, where the Awhye people are subjugated by the Halwardians. The stakes are high, but she’s not alone. Alongside her brother Rafi and eventually the enigmatic Brannon, who is prone to peak-fantasy declarations like “I run deeper than the skin you see,” Sabine faces the malevolent Duke Aurich and the mysterious Lady of the Forest in a bid to restore balance to their fractured world.Kelly excels at intricate, inviting world-building and magic that has some logic but still feels magical. Crisp prose and an eye for what’s most compelling in a scene will draw readers into the heart of Illyamor. Scenes pulse with striking detail and urgent emotions, and Sabine is a standout protagonist, growing from desperate thief to formidable sorceress in a way that feels both authentic and inspiring. Her struggle with the curse underscores themes of identity, resistance, and empowerment without slowing narrative momentum. The narrative also examines the price of power and the weight of sacrifice.
The novel is packed with danger and adventure, from Sabine’s audacious market heists to her perilous trek through the ominous Dikisi Forest. Each setting is vividly realized, drawing readers into tombs and menacing woods, while Kelly deftly explores the socio-political forces driving the conflict. Mythical creatures like the Ielzrie and Vargas intrigue and surprise, while the tragic backstory of the Lady of the Forest adds emotional depth and highlights the story’s darker undertones. For all the magic and a touch of romance, Kelly doesn’t shy away from grim realities of rebellion or the experience of grief, imbuing The Sibyl and the Thief with welcome gravity.
Takeaway: Stellar fantasy of a young woman facing a curse and daring to rebel.
Comparable Titles: Ashley Poston’s Among the Beasts & Briars, Lori M. Lee’s Forest of Souls.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
