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 sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia.
A teenage witch goes up against the evil king of the mountain to save a cursed village.
Witch-in-training Verity Vox has spent a year apiece in different villages, helping in any way she can as she learns her art. When it’s time to move on, she receives a sign that shows her where to go next. When the latest sign appears in the form of a note begging for help that floats down on a leaf, she’s eager for the challenge. Verity winds up in Foxfire, a village in the Appalachian mountains that’s been magically cut off from the rest of the world for years, leaving its people close to starvation. The root of their suffering is a man they know as Earl, who lives in the hills and strikes deals with the townspeople that ultimately cause crops to wither, folks to disappear, and the only bridge out of the valley to crumble. Verity is determined to change the villagers’ fortunes, but to do so she’ll have to face off against not just Earl but the ancient power of the mountains itself. Loosely based on the Germanic Erlking legend and told in a voice reminiscent of folktales, the story features a queer romance and a cast that presents white. The convoluted magic system undercuts the strong themes of reciprocity, poverty, and privilege, but Appalachian readers will instantly recognize home.
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9798890032706
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
SEEN & HEARD
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