A thrilling end to a lively saga.
Two headstrong characters must trust themselves and their community as they fight to change their destinies in this trilogy closer.
Koffi awakens after her grueling battle with Fedu, the god of death, who remains a threat as the Bonding swiftly approaches. Not only disoriented and wary, she now also bears the marks of the powerful splendor she carries within her body. As Koffi is reunited with her friends, Fedu sends his Untethered—undead souls who aren’t allowed to cross over—to wreak havoc on their encampment, forcing them to flee without a plan in place. Knowing that Fedu won’t rest until he recaptures her, Koffi seeks help from Badwa, one of Eshōza’s six ancient gods, who sends her on a pilgrimage to recruit the other gods for the final battle. Ekon, recently reunited with his presumed-dead mother, is haunted by his past and trying to outrun a prophecy, both of which affect his chronic anxiety. Infighting, dangerous creatures, and a love triangle plague our protagonists along their journey; however, only together can they hope to end Fedu’s murderous plot. Their fragile plans begin to unravel as Ekon’s past catches up with him. Gray continues to dive into complicated relationships and explore what it means to break free from societal pressures. Readers will stay engaged through the vivid descriptions and action-packed battles in this African-inspired fantasy. Secondary characters are just as vital as the leads, something made evident in their development throughout.
A thrilling end to a lively saga. (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2024
ISBN: 9780593405741
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Oct. 7, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2023
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia.
A teenage witch goes up against the evil king of the mountain to save a cursed village.
Witch-in-training Verity Vox has spent a year apiece in different villages, helping in any way she can as she learns her art. When it’s time to move on, she receives a sign that shows her where to go next. When the latest sign appears in the form of a note begging for help that floats down on a leaf, she’s eager for the challenge. Verity winds up in Foxfire, a village in the Appalachian mountains that’s been magically cut off from the rest of the world for years, leaving its people close to starvation. The root of their suffering is a man they know as Earl, who lives in the hills and strikes deals with the townspeople that ultimately cause crops to wither, folks to disappear, and the only bridge out of the valley to crumble. Verity is determined to change the villagers’ fortunes, but to do so she’ll have to face off against not just Earl but the ancient power of the mountains itself. Loosely based on the Germanic Erlking legend and told in a voice reminiscent of folktales, the story features a queer romance and a cast that presents white. The convoluted magic system undercuts the strong themes of reciprocity, poverty, and privilege, but Appalachian readers will instantly recognize home.
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9798890032706
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
SEEN & HEARD
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
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