A measured but engrossing epic fantasy with indelible characters.
In this YA sequel, teenagers who are destined to save their enchanted realm struggle with dissension and hidden foes.
Paige Connatis is one of the five Cinquain Henten, teens who are prophesied to protect the Boven Naturals universe. This entails tracking down five relics called the Shadow Ankhs, the first of which is the Ankh of Zephyria. The Cinquain Henten knows that particular relic is somewhere in the Void but hasn’t quite worked out how to enter the realm. In the meantime, the teens train in their specific brand of wizardry, such as Ethan Caelum, who has mastered air magic. But Paige unexpectedly absorbed an ancient tome packed with obscure spells and is unquestionably the most powerful among the Cinquain Henten. This stirs up some jealousy, especially from water magic–wielding Avril Irroro. But potential discord is just what Chief Supreme Grant T’amery wants. If he could somehow manipulate the teens, he may be able to grab the Ankh of Zephyria and the relic’s power for himself and therefore dominate the Boven Naturals. As in Rehfus-Wilsek’s preceding novel, this second installment boasts a radiant cast. There are, for example, assorted species, from reptilian Caudates to a Nativus like Paige, whose skin changes color depending on her mood. This book likewise maintains its predecessor’s deliberate pace; much of the story involves preparation—magic training, hard-to-solve riddles, and an entirely new prophecy. One subplot nevertheless stands out, as Principal Regulator Evland Caelum (Ethan’s mom), who heads the Order of Mystics, investigates a string of crimes (including murder) that tie in with the main plot. Furthermore, the author excels throughout at depicting the various settings—shadows “twisting into grotesque silhouettes” in the halls of Arcana Academy, and the whistling wind “carrying the mournful cry of a distant owl” during a secret meeting. As the series is far from over, this installment ends on a stellar cliffhanger.
A measured but engrossing epic fantasy with indelible characters.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Dec. 31, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.
In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me, three characters tell their sides of the story.
Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind. (author’s note, content warning) (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9781728276229
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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