A smart, suspenseful adventure with an ending that begs for a sequel to tie up loose ends.
In a world in which edem—time-altering, extradimensional magic—is feared and policed, a motley group of teens with ties to the impossibly secure Vardean prison attempt to expose the corruption at its root.
After their mother died due to a stranger’s edem use, siblings Cayder and Leta found distinct ways to cope. Cayder immersed himself in the study of law, determined to someday prosecute edem abusers, while Leta sought to understand the force that took their mother’s life. Liquid and apparently sentient, edem originates from a place called the veil, where the boundaries of time and space are more permeable, and the authorities are focused on controlling access due to its unpredictable, often dangerous effects. When Leta is charged with starting a deadly fire, she’s brought to Vardean—where Cayder is a public defense apprentice and their childhood friend, Kema, is now a guard. Cayder processes the plight of his sister and his client, Jey, the son—and accused murderer—of the Regency General, and his allegiances are further tested when Elle, another high-profile prisoner, claims knowledge of a sinister Regency plot. Expansive and original worldbuilding grounds each character’s distinct perspective as the action picks up and the stakes mount. Cayder, Leta, and Elle read as White; Jey is cued as biracial, with a White father and South Asian fantasy-equivalent mother, and queer Kema has brown skin.
A smart, suspenseful adventure with an ending that begs for a sequel to tie up loose ends. (government hierarchy chart) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Feb. 22, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-11237-3
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Nov. 29, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A suspenseful story that starts off with great promise but fails to deliver.
A teenage girl struggles with the question of whom to trust in the age of social media exposure.
Thanks to Connie’s mom’s family vlog, her life is anything but private. She enjoyed it at first, but now, between the mean comments online and the cruel mockery from peers in real life, Connie feels like she’s in a prison. Her sister, Isla, says it’s worth it for the money, but Connie isn’t sure if that’s really true. Connie’s anger over Mom’s refusal to heed warnings that revealing so much puts them in danger continues to build. When she’s left alone for two weeks while Mom and Isla go on a college road trip, local girls start dying, and a fan reaches out on social media in an unsettling way, leaving Connie worried about her safety. White-presenting Connie’s sense of humor is charming, and her insights will earn readers’ sympathy as the tension builds. As emotions rise, Preston’s poetic language beautifully captures Connie’s feelings about her mom’s obsession with social media and her confusion about who is worthy of her trust. The topics of safety and the uncharted waters of social media are skillfully woven into the plot. However, some inconsistencies weaken the overall story: Apart from Connie, the characters are too lightly developed, and some plot points don’t align with earlier events and motivations, making the ultimate revelation a disappointment.
A suspenseful story that starts off with great promise but fails to deliver. (Thriller. 12-18)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9798217028009
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart.
After praying to a Fate for help, Evangeline discovers the dangerous world of magic.
When her father passes away, Evangeline is left with her cold stepmother and kind but distant stepsister, Marisol. Despite inheriting a steady trust in magic, belief in her late mother’s homeland of the mystical North (where fantastical creatures live), and philosophy of hope for the future, her dreams are dashed when Luc, her love, pledges to marry Marisol instead. Evangeline desperately prays to the Prince of Hearts, a dangerous and fickle Fate famed for his heart that is waiting to be revived by his one true love—and his potentially lethal kisses. The bargain they strike sends her on a dark and magical journey throughout the land. The writing style fluctuates from clever and original to overly verbose and often confusing in its jumble of senses. While the pervasive magic and concept of the Fates as a religious system add interest, other fantasy elements are haphazardly incorporated without enough time devoted to building a cohesive world. However, the themes of love, the power of story, family influence, and holding onto belief are well rounded and add depth. The plot contains welcome surprises, and the large cast piques curiosity; readers will wish more time was spent getting to know them. Evangeline has rose-gold hair and, like other main characters, reads as White; there is diversity among the fantasy races in this world.
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26839-6
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
