A wild, robot-driven ride with nods to a far darker kind of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. (Science fiction. 13-17)
In a post-apocalyptic world, a girl who’s never left home sets out on an arduous quest to save her sick pet.
All Frost’s 16 years have been spent in a bombed-out apartment overlooking a ruined city. Her only companions are Bunt, a stalwart robot that’s been partially taken over by what’s left of her deceased father’s personality and memories, and Romes, a wild broot-turned–beloved pet and companion. But Romes has fallen deathly ill, and Frost will do anything to save him. She decides the three of them will journey toward a distant blue glow at the edge of the city known as the Battery, which she’s certain holds the key to saving her only friend. Outside, they’re confronted with unrelenting obstacles: vengeful robots, zombielike cannibals, and a city run by a tyrannical cult leader. Frost pushes on even as Romes steadily deteriorates. Yet through it all, it might just be the mind-bending revelations about her family and herself that break her. With refreshingly little weight put on romance, the core of Frost’s story lies in her complicated relationship with her father. Though familiar, the dystopian world is viscerally cold and haunting. But after a long, action-packed journey that’s a little reminiscent of Dorothy’s through Oz, the conclusion rushes up abruptly and offers only vague closure. Kozlowsky doesn’t describe Frost, leaving readers to imagine her as they will.
A wild, robot-driven ride with nods to a far darker kind of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. (Science fiction. 13-17)Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-83326-4
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 27, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2016
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice.
A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas.
Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school. His professor mom’s new tenure-track job transplants Norris mid–school year, and his biting wit and sarcasm are exposed through his cataloging of his new world in a field guide–style burn book. He’s greeted in his new life by an assortment of acquaintances, Liam, who is white and struggling with depression; Maddie, a self-sacrificing white cheerleader with a heart of gold; and Aarti, his Indian-American love interest who offers connection. Norris’ ego, fueled by his insecurities, often gets in the way of meaningful character development. The scenes showcasing his emotional growth are too brief and, despite foreshadowing, the climax falls flat because he still gets incredible personal access to people he’s hurt. A scene where Norris is confronted by his mother for getting drunk and belligerent with a white cop is diluted by his refusal or inability to grasp the severity of the situation and the resultant minor consequences. The humor is spot-on, as is the representation of the black diaspora; the opportunity for broader conversations about other topics is there, however, the uneven buildup of detailed, meaningful exchanges and the glibness of Norris’ voice detract.
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice. (Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-282411-0
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes.
What happens to the world after the dust from a revolution has settled?
Friends Annie and Lee were children from very different circles when Atreus killed Lee’s father, dragonlord Leon Stormscourge, ending the uprising on the bloodiest day in Callipolis’ history. For too long the dragonriders held all the power while their people starved and lived in fear. Nine years later, a new generation of dragonriders is emerging, children selected and trained on merit, not bloodlines. Their dragons are finally mature enough for them to compete for Firstrider, a position of power that can give Lee back a small part of what his family lost. However, not only is Lee competing against Annie, but rumors are circulating that some of the royal family have survived and have dragons of their own. Everyone will have to make a choice: Restore the old regime, support the First Protector and the new caste system he created, or look for a new way, no matter what the cost. From the beginning, this book pulls readers in with political intrigue and action. What keeps them invested, however, are the complex relationships between many cast members. Choices are complex, and the consequences for all could be deadly. The world is well fleshed out and believable. Annie and Lee are light skinned; secondary characters are diverse, and race is a nonissue in this world.
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes. (author’s note) (Fantasy.14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-525-51821-1
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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