Fresh and compelling.
Adventure, destiny, and romance intermingle in a stormy fantasy.
Domenic Barrow and Ellery Caldwell (both cued white) are students at Alderland’s prestigious magic academy, where they’re training to defeat a once-in-a-century cataclysm. At first, it seems the two teens couldn’t be more different: Ellery is a model student, favored to become Alderland’s next Chosen One, the powerful magician bestowed with unique abilities to defend the nation. By contrast, Domenic is a flaky bad boy better known for sleeping around than for serious study. When unprecedented magic anoints them both as Chosen Ones, the two struggle to reconcile private insecurities with performative public personas. Domenic and Ellery are an appealing duo, each striving to live up to the impossible expectations of heroism while grappling with past traumas. Their growing connection gets a boost from sharp dialogue that pivots adroitly between flirty banter and soul-baring. When, after much yearning, a romance blossoms between the two, it’s tender and believable. The novel is strongest in the first half, where a taut balance of worldbuilding, action, and character growth creates irresistible stakes. The second half is less effective due to a series of plot switchbacks and reveals that some readers may find disjointed. Most, however, will remain heartily invested, rooting for the heroes’ romantic and magical triumphs all the way through to the heart-pounding conclusion. The supporting cast includes diversity in race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Fresh and compelling. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781250873156
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Tor Teen
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2025
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart.
A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.
Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
ISBN: 9798347100217
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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