Next book

DAUGHTER OF SPARTA

From the Daughter of Sparta series , Vol. 1

A great escape.

Daphne, an adopted outsider whose mother died birthing her, longs to prove herself a true Spartan athlete and warrior and gets her wish in this series opener that reimagines famous Greek myths.

Though raised in Sparta, Daphne and her siblings lack the rights and opportunities of native Spartans. When her brother Pyrrhus is a no-show for a prestigious competition, Daphne is grudgingly permitted to enter—and wins, attracting the attention of Artemis. The goddess sends Daphne on a quest to locate the nine missing Muses whose loss is draining the powers of Olympus. To ensure Daphne’s cooperation, Artemis inflicts the Midas Curse on her: Should Daphne fail, her body will turn to gold. Upping the stakes, she also turns Pyrrhus into a stag and appoints her twin brother, Apollo, to be Daphne’s escort and guard. Discovering Lykou, Daphne’s friend and crush, following them, Apollo transforms him into a wolf who will accompany them on a long, dangerous journey that includes encounters with Prometheus, Theseus, Minos, an Amazon princess, and other assorted humans and deities. Acutely aware of Apollo’s reputation, Daphne—courageous, practical, and engaging—nevertheless can’t help falling for him despite Lykou’s vulpine warnings. Nonetheless, her priority remains fulfilling her quest, and every reader who’s groaned at the passivity of helpless girls ensnared by gods behaving badly will root for her to succeed. Debut author Andrews brings Daphne’s world convincingly to life, earning extra credit for breathless scenes of mortal combat.

A great escape. (author’s note, glossary) (Fantasy. 12-18)

Pub Date: June 8, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-316-54007-0

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson/Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: May 16, 2022

Next book

POWERLESS

From the Powerless Trilogy series , Vol. 1

A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.

The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.

Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.

A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023

ISBN: 9798987380406

Page Count: 538

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 35


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

Next book

THE CRUEL PRINCE

From the Folk of the Air series , Vol. 1

Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in.

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 35


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

Black is back with another dark tale of Faerie, this one set in Faerie and launching a new trilogy.

Jude—broken, rebuilt, fueled by anger and a sense of powerlessness—has never recovered from watching her adoptive Faerie father murder her parents. Human Jude (whose brown hair curls and whose skin color is never described) both hates and loves Madoc, whose murderous nature is true to his Faerie self and who in his way loves her. Brought up among the Gentry, Jude has never felt at ease, but after a decade, Faerie has become her home despite the constant peril. Black’s latest looks at nature and nurture and spins a tale of court intrigue, bloodshed, and a truly messed-up relationship that might be the saving of Jude and the titular prince, who, like Jude, has been shaped by the cruelties of others. Fierce and observant Jude is utterly unaware of the currents that swirl around her. She fights, plots, even murders enemies, but she must also navigate her relationship with her complex family (human, Faerie, and mixed). This is a heady blend of Faerie lore, high fantasy, and high school drama, dripping with description that brings the dangerous but tempting world of Faerie to life.

Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2018

ISBN: 978-0-316-31027-7

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Sept. 25, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2017

Close Quickview