A FATE SO COLD

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.