A trilogy closer that gives all the characters chances to grow and shine.
The peoples of Scotia and the Skye clans must come together.
After the events of The Broken Raven (2021), Sigrid brings a dire warning to the Skye clans: Ingland’s villainous King Edmund is coming for them, and he’s teamed up with Konge Grímr to get revenge on our heroes. To counter their dark weapons, the various factions (such as Jaime and Agatha’s Clann-a-Tuath, Clann-na-Bruthaich, Bó Riders like Cray, the Raasay islanders, and even more unexpected former enemies) must join forces. Forming and maintaining a common front requires personal risks and connections from the young protagonists, especially when various cultures clash. While the bringing together of unlikely alliances to stave off a powerful enemy is just the kind of climactic conclusion readers expect from final entries in fantasy series, the personal storylines of the three characters keep things fresh. When Agatha is abducted, she goes on a journey of discovery—learning the full extent of what she’s capable of and making peace with mysteries from her past. Jaime grapples with his insecurities as he pushes Cray away out of internalized fear of his culture’s views on homosexuality and leans heavily into blood magic, becoming overly dependent on his sword; eventually he must set aside the messages from his community and come to his own conclusions. Meanwhile, bold Sigrid’s heroism continually pays off, earning her an exciting new direction.
A trilogy closer that gives all the characters chances to grow and shine. (note about languages) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5362-0749-1
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Walker US/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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