Sensationally absorbing.
While Krypton falls further into its catastrophic demise, Zahn and Sera race to discover the truth about their homeworld—and themselves.
Following her genetic modifications at the hands of Jor-El and Lara, Sera continues to adjust to her newfound way of being, questioning the reality of her former existence along with her status as a loyal soldier of Krypton. Her enhanced capabilities don’t escape the attention of her fellow soldiers and her superiors, widening the gap between her previous self and her potential future. Meanwhile, Zahn’s ideals for and views on a better Krypton drive him into more conflict with the preprogrammed shortsighted elitism afflicting his peers in the upper caste. But Krypton’s perilous fate looms despite Jor-El’s desperate pleas to the ruling tribune. Hoping to inspire good change before time runs out, Zahn delves deeper into Midnight’s plans to disrupt the tribune’s damaging grip on Krypton, especially when he learns the identity of the rebellious group’s leader. As the truth behind Krypton’s recent turbulence falls into their hands, Zahn and Sera discover the extent of their feelings for one another. A solid improvement over its predecessor, this follow-up to The Shadow Threat (2021) provides a richer peek into Krypton society, aided by intriguing characters and exceptional artwork. The ongoing story’s central conceit—a world fatally blinded by its rulers’ pride—hits the mark in numerous ways, setting up for a finale that’s sure to thrill.
Sensationally absorbing. (Graphic science fiction. 13-17)Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4012-9608-7
Page Count: 208
Publisher: DC
Review Posted Online: Jan. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes.
What happens to the world after the dust from a revolution has settled?
Friends Annie and Lee were children from very different circles when Atreus killed Lee’s father, dragonlord Leon Stormscourge, ending the uprising on the bloodiest day in Callipolis’ history. For too long the dragonriders held all the power while their people starved and lived in fear. Nine years later, a new generation of dragonriders is emerging, children selected and trained on merit, not bloodlines. Their dragons are finally mature enough for them to compete for Firstrider, a position of power that can give Lee back a small part of what his family lost. However, not only is Lee competing against Annie, but rumors are circulating that some of the royal family have survived and have dragons of their own. Everyone will have to make a choice: Restore the old regime, support the First Protector and the new caste system he created, or look for a new way, no matter what the cost. From the beginning, this book pulls readers in with political intrigue and action. What keeps them invested, however, are the complex relationships between many cast members. Choices are complex, and the consequences for all could be deadly. The world is well fleshed out and believable. Annie and Lee are light skinned; secondary characters are diverse, and race is a nonissue in this world.
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes. (author’s note) (Fantasy.14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-525-51821-1
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Bound to be popular.
A suddenly trendy trope—conflict and romance between members of conquering and enslaved races—enlivened by fantasy elements loosely drawn from Arabic tradition (another trend!).
In an original, well-constructed fantasy world (barring some lazy naming), the Scholars have lived under Martial rule for 500 years, downtrodden and in many cases enslaved. Scholar Laia has spent a lifetime hiding her connection to the Resistance—her parents were its leaders—but when her grandparents are killed and her brother’s captured by Masks, the eerie, silver-faced elite soldiers of the Martial Empire, Laia must go undercover as a slave to the terrifying Commandant of Blackcliff Military Academy, where Martials are trained for battle. Meanwhile, Elias, the Commandant’s not-at-all-beloved son, wants to run away from Blackcliff, until he is named an Aspirant for the throne by the mysterious red-eyed Augurs. Predictably, action, intrigue, bloodshed and some pounding pulses follow; there’s betrayal and a potential love triangle or two as well. Sometimes-lackluster prose and a slight overreliance on certain kinds of sexual violence as a threat only slightly diminish the appeal created by familiar (but not predictable) characters and a truly engaging if not fully fleshed-out fantasy world.
Bound to be popular. (Fantasy. 13 & up)Pub Date: April 28, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-59514-803-2
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Jan. 9, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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