A heist, a talisman, a shrine, and an abundance of faith lead to greatness in this consistently engaging action-adventure...
In Kramer’s YA fantasy novel, two lifelong friends embark on an epic quest that forces them to confront their destinies.
“Fulgar Geth could heal with his fingertips,” reveals the narrator in the opening line of this prequel to the Heroes of Time Legends series. Eight-year-old Fulgar has a power that he doesn’t fully understand. Because he can heal injuries with a touch, and also manipulate magnetism to affect metal, his best friend, Binny, says that he’s cursed, but “in a good way”—the result of a mage using magic to save Fulgar when he was born. Nothing in Fulgar’s life of poverty has convinced him that he’s fated for greater things, and by the age of 17, he’s become a thief who, along with Binny, is living on the streets. Binny, meanwhile, is preoccupied with a talisman that he took from his uncle’s place, which could lead him and Fulgar to a fabled shrine of ancient power. They set out on their journey, but Fulgar, who’s skeptical, is just along for the ride as Binny does “What he does best: mischief.” When they eventually find themselves on the opposite sides of a great power, it puts the limits of their friendship and faith to the test. As the story goes on, the concept of healing comes have multiple meanings, as Fulgar must not only heal physical traumas, but also emotional and spiritual ones. It’s a lot for a YA fantasy tale to shoulder, but Kramer has created an exciting, swashbuckling world for his characters to navigate. Throughout, the dialogue keeps the action grounded: “Don’t lose the forest for the trees, mate,” says Binny to Fulgar at one point. The sword-fighting sequences boast elegant choreography that leaps right off the page. The story takes on a more solemn tone as Fulgar and Binny grapple with their destinies, but for lovers of magic and feel-good adventure stories, this prequel offers a welcoming world for them to explore.
A heist, a talisman, a shrine, and an abundance of faith lead to greatness in this consistently engaging action-adventure tale.Pub Date: May 1, 2024
ISBN: 9781955997171
Page Count: 273
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: June 14, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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