A wild and magical tale that will likely have readers eager for a sequel.
In Oey’s YA fantasy novel, a prince, desperate to escape the corruption of royal life, finds new troubles in the outside world.
Although his brother James revels in the power of the throne in the kingdom of Lanmar, the narrator of this tale fled the palace some time ago, adopting the moniker “Not James” to denote his aversion to everything that his family represents. Not James is wickedly clever, but he can’t escape his resemblance to his twin brother, the king, and the dangerous consequences it brings. Deemed a threat by the monarchy, Not James finds himself a hunted man, dodging assailants who employ manipulation and mayhem in their attempts to apprehend him, along with his traveling companion, Idrid. Not James vows to confront his brother, and as he and Idrid seek revenge, they uncover a magical conspiracy that challenges everything they thought they knew about the corruption of the king. Overall, Oey’s fast-paced fantasy work is a joy to read. Although the work is often humorous, it contains serious themes related to discrimination and the abuse of power, which justify a need for social change within Not James’ tumultuous kingdom. The story will be suitable for most audiences, as its language and violence is rarely graphic. The book’s hero, though irreverent, is a compassionate figure, and readers will enjoy his and Idrid’s witty dialogue as their antics create as much chaos as they avert. Oey’s supporting characters are also thoughtfully crafted—especially magicians Maia and Jasmine, whose supernatural gifts and moral quandaries are deeply relevant to the future of the entire realm. The story ends on a note of uncertainty for many of its characters, and it will keep readers guessing until the end.
A wild and magical tale that will likely have readers eager for a sequel.Pub Date: Dec. 4, 2022
ISBN: 9798366853491
Page Count: 366
Publisher: Manuscript
Review Posted Online: Nov. 29, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.
In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me, three characters tell their sides of the story.
Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind. (author’s note, content warning) (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9781728276229
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
