Moribund, first in Eldredge’s Circuit Fae Series, introduces us to Syl Skye, a rather geeky introvert who believes she’s quite mundane, save having survived a horrific train crash months before. Syl is anything but normal. Syl is the last sleeper-princess of the fair Fae, and she’s being hunted. Agravaine, and his unwilling Huntress Rouen, have infiltrated her school, trying to flush her out, and also infecting the students with the Moribund, a substance that allows them to access the ‘killing magic in technology’,. Basically, it allows him to siphon off their life force. He has a bigger plan in mind than just finding Syl, though. Worldshaping plans.

Rouen goes against the Contract Agravaine holds over her, when Syl is exposed, and helps the sleeper-princess escape. An unlikely ally rescues them both, bringing them to safety. As the three work together to end Agravaine’s plan, Rouen forms an uneasy truce with their rescuer, and something rather more with Syl. Now it’s up to Syl to fully Awaken and claim her rightful power if they are to have a chance of stopping Agravaine.

Chapters alternate between Syl and Rouen, so we get both girls’ perspectives. I liked Rouen a little more, probably because she worked her magic through her violin. I’m a sucker for characters that play violin or cello. Syl is fair Fae, and Rouen dark Fae, two groups with an innate hatred of one another. They never seem to have that hatred, which doesn’t surprise me in Syl’s case, since she’s unaware of her heritage. Rouen, though, is fully aware of hers. That she doesn’t have that hatred towards Syl shows that she definitely got a rebellious streak, and that she’s more progressive in her thinking.

I really didn’t like Fiann. I know that was the point, but dang, that girl was an ass. I’d like to know more about why she so completely turned against Syl after the train crash, when she was supposedly her best friend from a young age. It can’t have just had to do with Syl’s apparent downgrade in fortunes. At least, I hope not… That’s pretty shallow.

The concept of the Moribund was confusing at first. Calling it the ‘killing magic in technology’ made little sense to me. The feel I ended up with is that it is kind of like controlling nanites with magic. The ‘circuits’ have the ability to rewrite a person’s genetic code, to reshape their very being. But it also consumes them, and can strip energy from a victim and transfer it. So, barely controlled nanite technology. I loved the blending of science and magick. I would have liked it to be a good thing, though. Arcanepunk holds a special place in my heart.

***This book was borrowed via Kindle Unlimited, and reviewed in prep for Ouroboros.

Check out my review for Ouroboros.