Fifteen-year-old Kira has power over the dead. Born at the height of a great, Inquisition-like Purging, Kira believes that he is the only remaining Deadbringer. Because his powers horrify most of the population, his uncle raises him in secrecy and anonymity. When Kira uses these powers to solve a murder, however, he comes to the attention of local authorities and soon becomes the focal point of a political power struggle between the Bastion of the north and the religious Ascendancy of the south. Kira flees, and his escape draws him across a marvelously realized world with a complex history and various races of people. The narration alternates between him and his pursuers: sympathetic, compelling Ascension elites and two mysterious Deadbringers. Along the way, Kira strives to discover the truth of who he is: the extent of his powers, the mystery of his parentage, and what actions he must take to survive. In this debut, Markoff serves up a fantastic action-adventure, tinged with Mexican folklore, that will appeal to fans of A Game of Thrones.

"Fascinating and yet a little disturbing. It is wonderful to know that imagination is only hampered when a person choses not to see. It is rare that I can read a book and actually feel the emotion of the people's and join them on their journey."

"[T]he author packs her novel with intrigue; for example, Kira suspects that maybe Teemo may be more than she seems. There are also shocking reveals, such as the fact that Eutau may know more about Kira’s long-gone father than he lets on. Perhaps best of all, Markoff’s setting is engagingly ambiguous—the specific year and exact location are unknown, giving the narrative a timeless quality. That, coupled with an impending Bastion/Ascendancy confrontation, should make the series’ next installment tempting for readers. A bevy of rich characters, plot twists, and possible paths for future books."

"The characters are easy to get attached to and it is hard to decide who is a hero and who is a villain, because those titles are fluid depending on the point of view of the person meeting them."

"[The Deadbringer is] told in a few point of views and I can honestly say that I didn’t have a favorite. The world Markoff created was nothing short of amazing and intricate; I can’t wait to uncover more of what it has to offer. Also, THAT ENDING!! Gah! I can’t contain my longing for the sequel!"