Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Get Lost in Worlds of Fantasy


Cover art for THE FLOATING ISLANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2011

Intelligent, richly detailed fantasy featuring two young cousins battered by losses, personal passions and larger events. Read full book review >
Cover art for INCARCERON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2010

"Like the finest chocolate, a rich confection of darkness, subtlety and depth, bittersweet and absolutely satisfying. (Science fiction. YA)"
A far-future thriller combines riveting adventure and masterful world-building with profound undertones. Read full book review >
Cover art for RAIDERS’ RANSOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2009

"A well-drawn world, plot twists galore and spunky characters make this one a true page-turner—readers will be panting for the sequel. (Science fiction. 9-14)"
Set in 23rd-century post-apocalypse Britain, this captivating story is told entirely in the present tense in alternating chapters by a fisher girl, Lilly, and a young Raider, Zeph, who ultimately find themselves in an unlikely alliance. Read full book review >
Cover art for GRACELING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008

"Grace-full, in every sense. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
An assured fantasy debut grapples with questions of identity, authenticity and autonomy. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HUNGER GAMES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008

"Impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns make this volume, the beginning of a planned trilogy, as good as The Giver and more exciting. (Science fiction. 11 & up)"
Katniss Everdeen is a survivor. Read full book review >
Cover art for FAERIES OF DREAMDARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2007

"Taylor carries her Faerie world well beyond its recognizably Victorian base, and crafts a memorably clever, intrepid insect-winged heroine to save it. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
Featuring both an uncommonly well-conceived setting and buckets of high-energy action, Taylor's debut tale of a thumb-sized devil hunter who comes this close to meeting her match belongs at the top of everyone's fantasy must-read list. Read full book review >