An exciting fantasy tale, full of whimsy and pathos.
In Franco’s YA novel, a group of magical teenagers embark on a journey to correct the course of a disrupted prophecy of the end times.
When teenage demigod Liam Hale receives a letter from his deceased mother, Bree, he sets off to find her—encouraged by the fact that was it delivered by Titan, a bird that he also thought was dead. A hopeful Liam follows Titan into the night, much to the dismay of his friends Benji, a mage apprentice; and Ada, who’s able to practice magic, despite not having a magical family heritage. Ada confesses to Benji that she manipulated time in an initially successful but ultimately failed attempt to save their friend Chiara, whom the evil Rachael Winifred murdered. Ada’s interference caused the House of the Living and the House of the Dead to mix and disrupted an ancient prophecy. According to the prophecy, Leroy Winifred, the former Keeper of the Seven Wonders, would have two sons: “One would generate chaos and one salvation.” The chaotic son, Montgomery Winifred (Rachael’s father), is preparing to seize power after Armageddon. When Liam reunites with his semi-resurrected mother, she tells him that their friend, Andrew McCormick, is Leroy’s first (and secret) son, who’s foretold to save the Megaverse. Montgomery, Bree says, knows this, which puts McCormick in danger. Liam and Bree rejoin Ada, Benji, and Liam’s other friends, witches Zac and Zoe. They, along with another witch named Bruno Gonzales and a druid named Sarah Hart, embark on a perilous journey to save McCormick. This second installment of Franco’s fantasy trilogy is packed with thrilling action sequences, engaging characters, fantastical beasts, and sky-high stakes. The author’s passion for fantasy is palpable, particularly in her highly detailed worldbuilding, which blends classic genre conventions with modern technology, including arcade games and online chatrooms. The prose can be redundant at times: “Benji’s face contorted into a perplexed expression, a question mark forming in his mind. He tried to make sense of Ada’s words, searching for clarity.” Also, extended exposition sometimes slows the pace. Still, the novel remains entertaining throughout.
An exciting fantasy tale, full of whimsy and pathos.Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2023
ISBN: 9786500663563
Page Count: 294
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: March 31, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
Frustratingly slow and lacking in magical wonder.
Despite living her happily-ever-after, Evangeline can’t help but strive to recover her lost memories in this trilogy closer.
Evangeline Fox awakens in the strong arms of Prince Apollo, her apparent husband, who swears to protect her from the evil Lord Jacks, who stole her memories. Unfortunately, Evangeline remembers nothing of her long and complex journey in the Magnificent North or her past romances; only the pain in her heart lets her know something is missing. At Wolf Hall, Evangeline seeks ways to unlock her missing memories, including enlisting the help of a mysterious guard named Archer, even as Apollo’s behavior becomes more and more controlling. The pacing and plot feel stagnant at first, with Evangeline remembering things in flashes and moments of brief feelings, but things finally pick up once her memories return. With the point of view rotating among Evangeline, Apollo, and Jacks, there are few narrative surprises, but it’s intriguing to delve into the minds of an antagonist and a Fate. The story’s inclusion of the legendary Valors and the fantastical fairy-tale setting are unfortunately overshadowed by the love triangle’s dramatic tug-of-war romance. Likewise, the book’s various themes—power, hope, stories, and the nature of humanity—are of interest but handled in an unfocused way. The conclusion, at least, is satisfying, and it hints at future tales set in this world. Evangeline, Jacks, and Archer read white; Apollo has dark hair and olive skin.
Frustratingly slow and lacking in magical wonder. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 24, 2023
ISBN: 9781250851208
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2023
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