ALL OF US WITH WINGS

Xochi, a teen runaway, is contracted by 12-year-old Pallas and her polyamorous family to be their governess.

The night of an after-party during the vernal equinox, Xochi and her charge conjure two fey children bent on punishing all who have wronged the older girl. Debut author Keil paints San Francisco in both specific and broad strokes—the music scene, fashion, and lack of modern technology hint at a possibly historical setting. The worldbuilding falls somewhere between the dangerously thrilling and dark urban fantasies of Holly Black and the magic-infused, sweeping romances of Anna-Marie McLemore. The writing soars, especially at the sentence level, alternating effortlessly between past and present and the perspectives of multiple protagonists, including a bookstore cat with ties to the faery world. The secondary characters are multidimensional and bring their own storied pasts, which will draw readers to this loving and unconventional family. The often flippant dialogue helps to break up some of the heavier, more painful, and rawer passages. Xochi’s reckless decisions, especially a taboo sexual relationship and high-chasing drug use, aren’t played for drama or effect—they exemplify a truly traumatized teen on the path to recovery and healing. Through risky and sometimes-empowering behavior, she learns to forgive and love herself. Xochi is biracial (Mexican-American and white); she is also queer, as are multiple secondary characters.

This tale of found family and recovery weaves an unforgettable punk rock–infused spell.