An immersive mythological yarn with a YA twist.
Hindu mythological figures mold the personalities and fates of two unwitting teens in Dhar’s YA novel.
Fifteen-year-old high school student Abhay can’t understand why his classmate Ira harbors animosity toward him—sure, he’s “different” (“his eyes would often glaze over during conversation with a deep wistfulness as if behind them, his mind wandered somewhere afar”), but the antipathy that radiates from the wild-haired girl seems to come from nowhere. (In Ira’s estimation, Abhay is a pompous know-it-all who deserves to be taken down a notch.) Imagine their surprise upon finding out their adversarial relationship in history class mirrors their roles as mortal enemies in an alternate world. When Abhay posts a picture on social media of an old stone relic that he found hidden away in his grandfather’s closet, the modern world and his dear grandfather disappear. The universe that manifests in its stead is a magical and vividly lush one populated with gruesome monsters hellbent on vengeance and peaceful warriors sent to protect and guide. Abhay and Ira soon learn that the tension in their relationship stems from the fact that, as avatars of Lord Vishnu, they descend from opposing clans: Ira from the Devas, agents of destruction and chaos, and Abhay from the Asuras, protectors of unity and peace. Despite their differences, they must work together as the fate of the world they have always known rests in their hands, according to ancient prophecy. The author differentiates the magical from the modern by using vivid descriptions of colorful and kinetic landscapes, gods, and monsters. Spiritual ideology is woven into powerfully rich dialogue meant to motivate and uplift Abhay and Ira before their impending battle. While enthralling, the philosophical teachings overshadow the main characters at times. Dhar includes a recommended reading list; a glossary would have been a welcome aid, as there is an abundance of italicized terminology that could use explaining. Still, the ideals of unity, love, and individual acceptance translate clearly.
An immersive mythological yarn with a YA twist.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2024
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 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
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