Merriment (Merri) Feast and Rue Famine are heirs to rival families. Tradition dictates that when they turn 13, they duel for rule of the land of Fauret and guardianship of the demon who is locked away in a central tower.
The Feasts are currently ascendant, and Merri’s life is one of extravagant parties and pastries, interspersed with her aunt’s harsh training. In contrast, Rue (who has two mothers), spends her time learning to make potions that can help the people of Fauret. Rue worries that she will fail in her duty, however, for her mothers haven’t prepared her for the duel, even though one was the Famine heir before her. As the duel approaches, the girls’ curiosity about each other grows, and as they learn more, they eventually come to realize the extent of the secrets kept from them and why remaining a divided land might lead to ruin.
Demons, talking cats, and Rue’s two queer uncles form entertaining secondary characters. The dual-perspective narrative feels stiff at times, and the somewhat rushed ending leaves much to be explained in the next book of the series, but central themes of socioeconomic injustice and familial expectations offer some depth.
Merri, Rue, and their families read as White.
