Hype Post – Gravemaidens

**Disclaimer, I have not read Gravemaidens or any spoilers about it.  I received it today from NetGalley as en e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.  The following post is pure speculation on what I think I will like and dislike about it.**

Title Gravemaidens

Author Kelly Coon

Description from Amazon

In the walled city-state of Alu, Kammani wants nothing more than to become the accomplished healer her father used to be before her family was cast out of their privileged life in shame.

When Alu’s ruler falls deathly ill, Kammani’s beautiful little sister, Nanaea, is chosen as one of three sacred maidens to join him in the afterlife. It’s an honor. A tradition. And Nanaea believes it is her chance to live an even grander life than the one that was stolen from her.

But Kammani sees the selection for what it really is—a death sentence.

Desperate to save her sister, Kammani schemes her way into the palace to heal the ruler. There she discovers more danger lurking in the sand-stone corridors than she could have ever imagined and that her own life—and heart—are at stake. But Kammani will stop at nothing to dig up the palace’s buried secrets even if it means sacrificing everything…including herself.

Initial Thoughts

I love the premise of this story.  I’m not 100% sure but I think there is definitely some historical accuracy here of kings having people “accompany” them to the afterlife.  I love when a story gets my gears turning to do some research.

Cover Art

The cover is very interesting on this book.  Normally, I don’t like moths (they remind me of ugly butterflies) but I think they are very fitting here.  Without having read this book, I think they represent death.  There are three which makes me think they are for each of the maidens mentioned on the dust jacket.  I’m not sure what’s in the center of the bottle on the cover, but it definitley has my interest.

Notes on the Dust Jacket Description

Older sister saving younger sister from certain death = The Hunger Games.  I love this idea.

Series Value

The description cites this a a duology so we know that the story will continue.  As I have said before, I tend to be more forgiving in reviews knowing there is a chance to correct the things I didn’t like in previous installments.

Final Thoughts

I am very excited to read this book.  Also, since it’s an October 2019 release (and it’s only May), I’m super excited to have been chosen on NetGalley for this book.  This is my first review for an ARC coming out in several months.