THE RIVER OF SAND

Readers return to the kingdom of Epoca, which Claire and her collaborator, Bryant, began with The Tree of Ecrof (2019).

Eleven-year-old Pretia, the irrepressible princess, accompanied by her now-best-friend, Rovi, reach the end of the ceremonial tour that anoints her as the Child of Hope, the royal offspring of the two dominant ethno-states, the Dreamers and the Realists. Pretia, who has finally divined her grana, or talent granted by the gods, will eventually rule the kingdom. Her particular gift is that she is able to split herself in two, with her shadow displaying impressive athletic prowess and allowing her to win competitions. However, Pretia’s parents, Queen Helena from the Realists and King Airos from the Dreamers, hear rumors that Rovi’s people, the street-urchin caste called the Star Stealers, have been rebelling and fear they will use the upcoming Junior Epic Games to mount a larger political protest. The royal couple forbids the princess from participating in the event in order to protect her and, ultimately, their rule. Rovi, whose own talent led to his recruitment to represent the king’s people at the games, vows to show that he deserves his spot on the team and to represent the Star Stealers' humanity. This sports-centered fantasy homage to ancient Greece entertainingly conveys an earthbound moral: Athletics can elevate individuals as they represent their cultures.

A pleasing sequel.