THE BOVEN NATURALS

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.