Ileni was once the most powerful sorceress in the Renegai, but now her powers are fading. The Elders decide to send her to teach a group of assassins magic since the previous two instructors mysteriously died. As Ileni tries to uncover what happened and instruct the dangerous group of killers, she must also try not to fall for one of them named Sorin. As allegiances are tested and loyalties vowed to the death, Ileni must decide what path she will take when either could be her death.

DEATH SWORN is a YA fantasy full of so many great things: assassins, sorcery, love, and heartbreaking choices. Leah Cypess tells an intense story that makes you wonder where the lines exactly lie between life and death and the length you will go to get what you want. Topped off with a romance where two characters can't help but fall for each other but can never trust, DEATH SWORN is one not to miss.

What I love most about this book is the main character, Ileni. She is strong, but certainly has her own limitations. She refuses to blindly follow, but she does feel loyalties that she can't ignore. As more and more shades of gray are thrown at her, she handles it with grace while still being very torn about what is right and wrong. I love her other. They understand each other in a way that shows they interactions with Sorin and how they dance around each can never really trust the other, but they would do almost anything to keep the other from dying. I'm really looking forward to seeing how things continue in the next book.

In the end, DEATH SWORN is a novel I can't help but love. I think it would fit very well with fans of Grave Mercy and Throne of Glass.