A compelling coming-of-age fantasy, despite some pacing problems.
In Hunsaker’s fantasy novel, the first in a series, a group of young initiates must brave a deadly magical cavern to gain the powers needed to protect their island.
Set on Avskild—a magical island protected from a world crawling with monsters—the narrative follows a group of teens preparing to earn their powers and defend their home. At 18, every student at Castle Vrodrmust enter Vanalf, a mysterious, dangerous cave that either grants them the magical abilities necessary to become a “Grimnir” or doesn’t let them leave at all. Hallik, a natural leader and determined overachiever, refuses to wait another year to earn his magic and find out what happened to his missing father. When the island’s protective shield is breached by “draugr,” undead beings formed by evil and hate, the safety of everyone within its walls is threatened (“a corpse stood before them, sallow, water-logged skin hanging from its body, eyes pale white, shattered teeth protruding behind tight lips that barely existed”). Hallik and a motley group set out to restore the shield before the island is overwhelmed by the opportunistic monsters—but first, they must brave the depths of Vanalf. Hallik is a skilled, responsible, and driven protagonist motivated not only by duty to his land, but also by the desire to prove himself. He sets himself apart through his quiet leadership—serving water to tired students, keeping pace with the slowest runners, and refusing to let his ambition overshadow his loyalty. The novel’s first half focuses heavily on training, lessons, and worldbuilding, which sometimes makes the story’s length feel like a bit of a slog. The action doesn’t really pick up until later, which might test the patience of readers eager for the real danger to begin. Overall gripping and heartfelt, this first installment in Hunsaker’s series is rooted in the quiet power of those willing to lead before they’re asked to. Hallik’s journey is only beginning, but it’s already one worth following.
A compelling coming-of-age fantasy, despite some pacing problems.Pub Date: April 8, 2025
ISBN: 9798987518281
Page Count: 444
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.
A reluctant princess is thrust into deadly political intrigue in Perry’s sweeping, high-stakes romantasy.
Odessa is the overlooked and underestimated princess of Quentis, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a deal is struck between her father and the formidable Turan warriors force her into an arranged marriage with their enigmatic prince, Zavier Wolfe. Intended as a mere formality to secure trade routes and military alliances, the betrothal spirals into something far more dangerous when ancient magic, a ruthless Guardian, and a looming war threaten to upend everything she knows. Finally emerging from the shadow of her seemingly perfect half sister, Mae, Odessa must navigate court politics, monstrous creatures, and her own uncertain place in a world where survival often depends on strategy rather than strength. As tensions rise, she finds herself entangled with the dangerous, enigmatic Guardian—a man whose silver eyes hold secrets of their own. Perry’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, crafting a kingdom rife with old magic, deadly beasts, and political machinations that add depth. The pacing is relentless, carrying Odessa from one life-altering event to another as she grapples with duty, defiance, and a destiny she never chose. Her internal conflict is compelling, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the fierce independence that threatens to make her an outcast in her own kingdom. Romance simmers as Odessa struggles to reconcile her obligations with her growing attraction to the Guardian, whose past is as shadowed as his reputation. Mae is introduced as Odessa’s political foil, and although her presence drives much of Odessa’s internal drama—being constantly overshadowed or underestimated—she’s mostly seen through Odessa’s perspective. Her motivations, ambitions, and political maneuverings might have benefited from deeper exploration to give more nuance to the power dynamics. However, Perry’s evocative prose and intricate plotting make for a gripping tale. Readers looking for a slow-burn romantasy with rich political intrigue and a protagonist forced to create her own fate will find much to enjoy.
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781649378514
Page Count: 528
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Unrelenting, and not in a good way.
A young Navarrian woman faces even greater challenges in her second year at dragon-riding school.
Violet Sorrengail did all the normal things one would do as a first-year student at Basgiath War College: made new friends, fell in love, and survived multiple assassination attempts. She was also the first rider to ever bond with two dragons: Tairn, a powerful black dragon with a distinguished battle history, and Andarna, a baby dragon too young to carry a rider. At the end of Fourth Wing (2023), Violet and her lover, Xaden Riorson, discovered that Navarre is under attack from wyvern, evil two-legged dragons, and venin, soulless monsters that harvest energy from the ground. Navarrians had always been told that these were monsters of legend and myth, not real creatures dangerously close to breaking through Navarre’s wards and attacking civilian populations. In this overly long sequel, Violet, Xaden, and their dragons are determined to find a way to protect Navarre, despite the fact that the army and government hid the truth about these creatures. Due to the machinations of several traitorous instructors at Basgiath, Xaden and Violet are separated for most of the book—he’s stationed at a distant outpost, leaving her to handle the treacherous, cutthroat world of the war college on her own. Violet is repeatedly threatened by her new vice commandant, a brutal man who wants to silence her. Although Violet and her dragons continue to model extreme bravery, the novel feels repetitive and more than a little sloppy, leaving obvious questions about the world unanswered. The book is full of action and just as full of plot holes, including scenes that are illogical or disconnected from the main narrative. Secondary characters are ignored until a scene requires them to assist Violet or to be killed in the endless violence that plagues their school.
Unrelenting, and not in a good way.Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781649374172
Page Count: 640
Publisher: Red Tower
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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