REBEL FIRE

Kurara pieces together her fragmented memories to face the sins of her past in this follow-up to Rebel Skies (2024).

At the end of the first book, Kurara discovered that she’s a shikigami—a sentient being made out of paper that’s typically controlled by a human Crafter. Pursued by Princess Tsukimi, who’s obsessed with shikigami, Kurara and her friends Haru, Sayo, and Tomoe rush to reunite with the flying ship Orihime at the Great Stream. Along the way, they find another shikigami whose mind is slipping—a bear named Banri whose songs stir memories within Kurara. Her goal is to free all shikigami from needing a mental bond with a Crafter. Clues from her past and hints from Haru lead her to believe that the two of them are bonded by the blood of a Star Tree, which grants them their agency. Even though Banri says that no Star Trees remain, and Haru insists they were all cut down by Crafters, Kurara believes the dream she had about a Star Seed. The well-plotted narrative shifts among the third-person viewpoints of Tsukimi, Kurara, and Himura (a Crafter) as they pursue their own interests and converge on the ancient Crafter village of Kazami. Many secrets are revealed as this Japanese-inspired fantasy reaches a chilling climax. The introduction of new creatures and some shifts in political power and goals strongly hint at another installment.

Intrigue coupled with fascinating reveals make for a thrilling adventure.