Sure, it’s the start of a trilogy about a foundling who is a destined savior with a prickly love interest from the other...
An illiterate garbage man is also the 17-year-old hero who’ll save the Earth from megalomaniac overlords.
In an alternate near future, the kingmakers of the world are in Eden City, where the Words Made Flesh wield the powers of gods and the common people are “wordless,” forbidden to learn to read. Tavin was a foundling, rescued and raised by a trash collector. Though he’s more muscular and attractive than the rest of the city’s rabble, Tavin plays the role of a modern Everyman, rising from below to save the princess and the world. The princess, in this case, is Khaya, the Word of Life, a godlike being who manipulates Tavin into...rescuing her? As Khaya explains in their pell-mell flight from Eden City, the Words aren’t actually in charge. Instead, they’re a manipulated crew of immensely powerful, politically bred, multiethnic teenagers, mere tools for the superrich Godspeakers. Khaya’s uncovered a Godspeaker plot to rule the world through military power, and only Tavin—who, as a foundling, of course has his own secrets to discover—can help her do it. Tavin’s story follows the comfortable, familiar beats of so many narratives from Star Wars to Harry Potter, with just the right amount of pizzazz in the form of cinematic action and naked, sexy fun.
Sure, it’s the start of a trilogy about a foundling who is a destined savior with a prickly love interest from the other side of the tracks—but with a nonetheless intriguing, original science-fantasy setting sure to attract fans . (Science fiction. 14-17)Pub Date: Aug. 8, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7387-3966-3
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Flux
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
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
A fresh and compelling voice.
A second chance prompts a deadly game of wits.
Lu Mingshin is about to be executed. Her fiance, Prince Ren, has ordered her death after using her family’s wealth to vie for the position of crown prince from his half brothers, each of them born to one of the widower king’s Royal Ladies. If that wasn’t enough, Mingshin learns that her Uncle Yi arranged her mother’s murder, and Aylin, her two-faced noblewoman cousin, will be marrying Ren instead. On the verge of death, Mingshin desperately wishes for another chance—only to see flashes of light and wake up two years in the past. With her memories of the future intact, Mingshin intends to not become a victim again, training in combat and vowing to endear herself to King Reifeng to secure her family’s safety. Strange dreams reveal the source of the magic that allowed her to jump back in time. A powerful mage is also on Mingshin’s tail, along with the ruthless enemies she’s already aware of. As Mingshin starts to rewrite her life’s story, new individuals come into play: a visiting Elder with questionable motives; Princess Yunle, who becomes a new best friend; and Prince Jieh, one of Ren’s rivals for the throne. Set in a fantasy world reminiscent of imperial China, this debut novel’s structure has a few oddities, but the clever premise and intriguing and suspenseful plot will keep readers engaged.
A fresh and compelling voice. (Fantasy. 14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
ISBN: 9781454949923
Page Count: 344
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
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