Valor is the daughter of two powerful members of the queen of Demidora's trusted elite-- her mother is the head game keeper. When her sister Sasha is arrested and imprisoned for the theft of a jewel box meant to end the threat of war between their country and Magadanskya, Valor foolishly pretends to attempt an assasination of Prince Anatol in order to have herself thrown in the same prison. She is successful, and takes poor street urchin Feliks down with her. THe prison is brutally strict, even the section for children, most of whom are serving time for thievery. Rations are meager, children work constantly, and punishments are swift and severe for the most minor of infractions. Valor maintains her outspoken ways, to the consternation of her roommate, but makes contact with her sister, Sasha. Sasha is appalled that her twin thinks she would have stolen the jewel box, and Valor is even more motivated to break her sister out when she discovers she was framed. No one has broken out of the prison for 300 years. Can Valor, along with her rag tag band of criminals, not only escape the prison, but find the real thief and restore peace to the kingdom and honor to her family?
Strengths: Well written, with an accessible fantasy adventure, this should appeal to fans of Frozen as well as 7th grade girls who want depressing books. I have a lot of readers working through Pierce's Alanna right now, and this might be a good stand alone to follow that. This had lots of good girl power-- the kingdom is a matriarchy, which is why Anatol's sister Anastasia plays such a big part.
Weaknesses: Valor was not a likable character to me. Anastasia is downright despicable, but there's no good motivation for her deviousness, other than some jealousy. The plot seemed very predictable, and the fantasy world was standard.
What I really think: This will be very popular with readers who like action/adventure fantasy. I just didn't like it personally.

This review will post on my blog on 4/4/17.

A solid middle grade fantasy about sisterhood and friendship. The ending was a bit rushed, but the atmosphere of the creepy prison was really well done.