A much-needed follow-up centering a beloved character.
Murtagh and Thorn must defend Alagaësia from a shadowy new threat in this sequel to Inheritance (2011).
In an Alagaësia that’s at last free from tyrannical King Galbatorix, Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, cannot free themselves from the stain of association. As the pair hide their identities, Murtagh works to uncover the mystery behind a cryptic warning from Umaroth. Defending himself against an attack by informant Sarros, Murtagh is horrified to learn that a witch named Bachel has created an amulet that protects against even the Name of all Names. Seeking Bachel, Murtagh returns to Gil’ead, where he risks discovery by those who knew him from Galbatorix’s court. Werecat Carabel promises information about Bachel and her Dreamers if Murtagh rescues kidnapped werecat children. Murtagh and Thorn must confront the scars left by their enslavement by Galbatorix if they hope to succeed. Murtagh’s point of view is kept vividly distinct, and it contains a visceral anger over injustices that are expressed at a new level of intensity. He’s particularly protective of children in a way that wasn’t displayed by previous series protagonists. The psychological scars from both Murtagh’s enslavement and his childhood abuse are well portrayed and shape his characterization in meaningful ways. In a welcome change, Thorn is no longer merely a plot vehicle; with the intimate rider-dragon bond on display, a terrified, confused young dragon still learning who he is shares center stage.
A much-needed follow-up centering a beloved character. (map, names and languages) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9780593650868
Page Count: 704
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
A sweet, romantic visit to the iconic Disney Fairies world.
The Pixie Dust Root is in danger, and one fairy is determined to save it—and the Pixie Dust Tree that all of Pixie Hollow depends upon.
In this stand-alone story set in the same world as Allison Saft’s Wings of Starlight (2025), Periwinkle, a frost-talent who has a gift for finding things—or maybe they have a way of finding her?—discovers a lost thread of magic that grants her the ability to dream. But not all dreams are as sparkly as Periwinkle. One night, she awakens from a nightmare to find herself in the Winter Woods with a fairy she’s never met, a sparrow man named Weaver, who claims to be a rare dream-talent. Disconcertingly, Weaver knows her—he calls her “perfect Periwinkle” and for some reason doesn’t seem to like her very much. Nevertheless, Periwinkle finds herself drawn to Weaver. When he tells her he can save the Pixie Dust Root by spinning her dreams into thread if she helps him find the magic tools he needs, Periwinkle agrees. Their journey leads the pair, who are pale-skinned, to discover things they like about each other, too. This is an opposites-attract adventure with romantic tension, a high-stakes quest, personal discovery, and betrayal. The characters struggle with inner turmoil while also adjusting their understanding of each other. Bright balances the fun with explorations of themes of snap judgments, labels, and weaponizing fear.
A sweet, romantic visit to the iconic Disney Fairies world. (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
ISBN: 9780736447362
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Disney/Random House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
© 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.
