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
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry.
Three young people find their places in a world of vengeance and destiny in National Book Award winner Tahir’s duology opener set in the multicultural world of her An Ember in the Ashes series.
Aiz, from the impoverished nation of Kegar, seeks revenge against Tiral bet-Hiwa, an air squadron commander who, as a child, murdered Aiz’s fellow orphans. Guided by a voice claiming to be Mother Div, Kegar’s first queen, Aiz escapes imprisonment after her failed assassination attempt on Tiral and embarks on a journey to free Mother Div’s trapped spirit. In the Martial Empire, Sirsha, a skilled tracker with magical abilities who’s been banished from her homeland, is saved by a stranger who hires her to hunt an unnatural killer. Quil, the crown prince of the Martial Empire, faces an invasion by the Kegari and the lingering threat of a mysterious force responsible for recent murders, including those of two of his loved ones. As the storylines converge, Sirsha and Quil cross paths, leading to revelations about the insidious force. The story explores the blurred line between good and evil and the lengths one will go to for a better life. Tahir’s deep and intricate worldbuilding requires time for readers to fully grasp. Following a slow start, the plot engages as pieces fall into place, leading up to an unexpected ending. The beautiful writing compensates for the romantic relationships, which develop quickly and somewhat inorganically.
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593616949
Page Count: 496
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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