A strong start to a new adventure series.
A boy is pursued by divine beings after he accidentally receives a murdered god’s powers in this series opener populated with West African characters.
Aboki is often bullied for the “curse markings” on his face, but after the other kids ditch him while playing in the forest, he finds a seed that was thrown into space by celestial god Olorun and landed near his village. The seed turns Aboki into an Orisha, a mortal blessed with divine powers. E’shu, the guardian of the Orisha seed that Aboki found, tries to tell him that the seed is being hunted by Olorun’s killer, but before he can fully explain the situation, they’re attacked, first by a voodoo beast and then by Shango, the Lightning Orisha, both of whom are seeking the seed. Now on the run, Aboki must find a way to prove that he can be trusted with the seed’s power before he, too, is killed. Despite the light character development, the fast pace, dynamic action sequences, and plot twists will keep readers engaged and rooting for Aboki and his traveling companions. Regular readers of adventure manga series like Naruto and My Hero Academia will find the premise familiar, but the use of West African mythology by a Nigerian graphic novelist adds a fresh perspective. Featuring a bold, detailed art style and marvelous character designs, this is a worthy addition to any graphic novel collection.
A strong start to a new adventure series. (Manga. 13-18)Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780760390320
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Rockport Publishers
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
Come for the forbidden romance and interpersonal machinations rather than the titular Games.
Bly’s world is filled with vampires, witches, and humans like herself.
Vampires and witches live under an uneasy peace, but for two weeks each year, they play the Revenant Games. During this time, humans can choose a side, try to capture a member of the opposing faction, and claim a reward: The witches will raise someone from the dead, while the vampires will grant you immortality. Bly enters in hopes of winning her sister Elise’s resurrection. During preparations for the Games, however, Emerson, her best friend and crush, receives a death curse from a witch that can only be cured if he attains immortality. The two team up, playing for both sides in an attempt to save both Emerson and Elise. But when they capture a vampire called Kerrigan, and Bly’s feelings for him get complicated, she faces difficult decisions. This book’s real draw is the abundant drama between the players. The Games themselves mostly feel like walks through the woods punctuated by occasional battles, and the explanation for the witches’ and vampires’ incentives to risk their lives is unconvincing, making the overall setup feel contrived. Fans of traditional vampires will enjoy the book’s portrayal of these velvet-wearing creatures, however. The abrupt ending sets things up to be continued in a possible sequel. Bly is cued white; Emerson has dark brown skin, and supporting characters bring diversity in skin color and sexual orientation.
Come for the forbidden romance and interpersonal machinations rather than the titular Games. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: March 19, 2024
ISBN: 9781665934411
Page Count: 416
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
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