Next book

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS

Twisted in the worst—or best—ways.

Young women from Isanghan are forced into Wonderland—but even if they survive, they will never be the same.

Caro, Icca, and Tecca are inseparable, sharing a fascination with magic and a disdain for their backwater Ward. The three queer girls explore the painful practice of witchcraft—controlling birds and melding with shadows—and scheme to one day overthrow the White Queen. But when tragedy strikes, Caro and Icca are sent to Wonderland Forest, where they’re at the mercy of the vicious, ravenous Saints. If they claim four Saints’ heads, they’ll be freed, but the strains of Wonderland cause their love to fray. Later, separately, two of them still hunt Saints, unable to completely escape the pull of the forest, though one now works for the new Red Queen, Hattie. Hattie has her own plans for the Saints—and for Caro and Icca, too—yearning to twist them into something new. Bloody, vicious, and dark, this is a thoroughly engrossing tale of relationships between girls who are rapidly growing up. While the novel loosely follows the shadows of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the characters, world, and plot are altogether different, strange, and compelling. Korean cultural influences on the fantasy country of Isanghan are clear, as the characters, for example, wear hanbok and write and converse in Korean.

Twisted in the worst—or best—ways. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Pub Date: April 23, 2024

ISBN: 9781368099066

Page Count: 416

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Review Posted Online: Jan. 19, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2024

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 70


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

Next book

SHIELD OF SPARROWS

A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 70


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

A reluctant princess is thrust into deadly political intrigue in Perry’s sweeping, high-stakes romantasy.

Odessa is the overlooked and underestimated princess of Quentis, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a deal is struck between her father and the formidable Turan warriors force her into an arranged marriage with their enigmatic prince, Zavier Wolfe. Intended as a mere formality to secure trade routes and military alliances, the betrothal spirals into something far more dangerous when ancient magic, a ruthless Guardian, and a looming war threaten to upend everything she knows. Finally emerging from the shadow of her seemingly perfect half sister, Mae, Odessa must navigate court politics, monstrous creatures, and her own uncertain place in a world where survival often depends on strategy rather than strength. As tensions rise, she finds herself entangled with the dangerous, enigmatic Guardian—a man whose silver eyes hold secrets of their own. Perry’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, crafting a kingdom rife with old magic, deadly beasts, and political machinations that add depth. The pacing is relentless, carrying Odessa from one life-altering event to another as she grapples with duty, defiance, and a destiny she never chose. Her internal conflict is compelling, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the fierce independence that threatens to make her an outcast in her own kingdom. Romance simmers as Odessa struggles to reconcile her obligations with her growing attraction to the Guardian, whose past is as shadowed as his reputation. Mae is introduced as Odessa’s political foil, and although her presence drives much of Odessa’s internal drama—being constantly overshadowed or underestimated—she’s mostly seen through Odessa’s perspective. Her motivations, ambitions, and political maneuverings might have benefited from deeper exploration to give more nuance to the power dynamics. However, Perry’s evocative prose and intricate plotting make for a gripping tale. Readers looking for a slow-burn romantasy with rich political intrigue and a protagonist forced to create her own fate will find much to enjoy.

A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.

Pub Date: May 6, 2025

ISBN: 9781649378514

Page Count: 528

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Review Posted Online: March 26, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025

Next book

POWERLESS

From the Powerless Trilogy series , Vol. 1

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

Close Quickview