This compelling, well-crafted romantic fantasy is sure to thrill fans of Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and Angela Carter. The novel is penned by a Canadian husband and wife team who write under the pseudonym of S.D. Tower. “S” is an artist and “D” writes espionage novels. These two talents have constructed a spectacular other world, filled with magic, mystery, and suspense.

The coming-of-age story is set in the ruins of an Eastern dynasty constantly at war over royal bloodlines and land. Lale is an orphan driven out of her village after failing to deliver a package to the Bee Goddess. She is found in the wilderness by the Midnight Mother, who runs a school for young female spies. Lale, who is part Lara Croft, part Charlie’s Angel, is trained in poison administration, martial arts, and mediumship.

Lale’s first mission is to avenge the earlier deaths of Mother Midnight’s family, by assassinating the current ruling Sun Lord. Although she is a hardened murderess, Lale finds herself falling for the young ruler and can’t kill him. She faces a terrible dilemma. Should she confess to the Sun Lord that she is his assassin and risk losing his love forever? Or should she refuse to kill him and face the wrath of the wraiths that torture those who fail to accomplish their missions?

The cultures described in the novel are intricate and fully realized, with intriguing histories and social structures. The fact that Tamurin could exist thousands of years in the future or eons in the past is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Although the happy ending is somewhat predictable, The Assassins of Turin is an enjoyable trip through a world filled with imaginative simulacrums of existing world cultures. Adults will be charmed by the authors’ understanding of politics, nature, and primitive crafts, but this book will especially appeal to young girls who love stories about female spies.