A high-fantasy duology closer that’s lovingly steeped in Jewish folklore and is sure to satisfy returning fans.
This fantastical sequel to This Dark Descent (2023) continues to explore intrigues in Enderlain.
Arielle, Mikira, Reid, and Damien navigate the kingdom’s complicated politics while dealing with their own strained relationships and discovering the true history and power of forbidden Kinnish magic. Mikira and her famed golem horse, Atara, join her old friend and rebel, Talyana. The two girls conspire with the Enderlain resistance to gain control of their kingdom and return power to the people. Arielle remains with Damien, but their relationship soon becomes contentious due to secrets and betrayals. Reid, ever the pacifist, is caught in the middle. Now that Arielle knows that the immense power she wields isn’t from her Racari, or book of magic, but rather from being possessed by a Heretic (one of the “enchanters who caused the Cataclysm”), she endeavors to rid herself of the spirit at any cost. Written in alternating points of view that follow the third-person perspectives of Arielle, Damien, and Mikira, this story picks up directly from the end of its predecessor. Unfortunately, the busy plot is somewhat confusing, and the many secondary characters and tangled relationships are difficult to keep straight. That said, the narrative eventually arrives at a satisfying conclusion that’s sure to please readers who enjoyed the earlier entry. The central cast members are described as having light or olive skin.
A high-fantasy duology closer that’s lovingly steeped in Jewish folklore and is sure to satisfy returning fans. (family trees) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2024
ISBN: 9781250812384
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2024
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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