Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Tough Teen Heroines of Science Fiction and Fantasy


Cover art for THE ASSASSIN'S CURSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012

"A ripsnorting series opener; may the sequels arrive soon. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
A kick-ass pirate heroine gets into and out of (mostly into) trouble in this invigorating fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for BITTERBLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012

"Devastating and heartbreaking, this will be a disappointment for readers looking for a conventional happy ending. But those willing to take the risk will--like Bitterblue--achieve something even more precious: a hopeful beginning. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
Building on the plots and themes of the award-winning Graceling (2008) and its companion Fire (2009), this rich and poignant fantasy grapples with the messy aftermath of destroying an evil overlord. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHAOS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 12, 2012

"Rich in voice, humor and dazzling imagery, studded with edgy ideas and wildly original, this multicultural mashup--like its heroine--defies categorization. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Noted for her fantasy and science fiction for adults, Hopkinson jumps triumphantly to teen literature. Read full book review >
Cover art for MASTIFF
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011

"An involving police procedural wrapped in fantasy clothing, this novel provides both crackerjack storytelling and an endearingly complex protagonist. (Fantasy/mystery. 12 & up)"
Pierce's sturdy policewoman Beka Cooper returns for a triumphant trilogy conclusion. Read full book review >
Cover art for DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2011

"Rarely--perhaps not since the author's own Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer (2007)--does a series kick off so deliciously. (Fantasy. 13-16)"
A love thought lost proves anything but when another world's 1,000-year war spills over into this one. Read full book review >
Cover art for MISFIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011

"Thoughtful, scary and captivating. (Urban fantasy. 14 & up)"
In an impeccably paced and unusually profound urban-fantasy novel, 16-year-old half-demon Catholic-school student Jael Thompson comes into her powers, explores her heritage and battles a tyrannical Hell beast. Read full book review >