by Darren Groth & Simon Groth ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 11, 2018
Of limited interest. (Fiction. 14-18)
An Australian swimming sensation and her graphic artist boyfriend are entwined by fate.
Clayton Sandalford is 17 when a riptide sweeps him out to sea; he panics but is saved by an athletic girl named Ash. The story jumps ahead—at the start of an important swim meet, Clay, now Ash’s boyfriend, gives Ash a ring etched with a figure of a Scottish water lover, a mythical creature who dissolves when exposed to sun and air. While Ash sets a world record in the meet, Clay draws a mysterious picture of Ash and a giant wave, one that is completely different from his usual style. A later drawing by Clay seemingly foretells a tragedy that befalls Ash. The co-authors unfortunately fail to maintain consistency in narration, telling the story mostly through Clay’s perspective, with random lapses into omniscient as well as the points-of-view of Ash, her stereotypically manically-driven mother, her stereotypically Bible-quoting father, and other secondary characters. Ash’s characterization seems primarily limited to her physical attributes—broad shoulders, long hair, and a strange affinity for water. The teens are sexually active, but their relationship never quite feels real, and the semimythical ending is neither surprising nor believable. The book adheres to a white default.
Of limited interest. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 11, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1513-1
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: June 17, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2018
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by Lauren Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023
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
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New York Times Bestseller
by Rebecca Ross ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2023
Ideal for readers seeking perspectives on war, with a heavy dash of romance and touch of fantasy.
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New York Times Bestseller
A war between gods plays havoc with mortals and their everyday lives.
In a time of typewriters and steam engines, Iris Winnow awaits word from her older brother, who has enlisted on the side of Enva the Skyward goddess. Alcohol abuse led to her mother’s losing her job, and Iris has dropped out of school and found work utilizing her writing skills at the Oath Gazette. Hiding the stress of her home issues behind a brave face, Iris competes for valuable assignments that may one day earn her the coveted columnist position. Her rival for the job is handsome and wealthy Roman Kitt, whose prose entrances her so much she avoids reading his articles. At home, she writes cathartic letters to her brother, never posting them but instead placing them in her wardrobe, where they vanish overnight. One day Iris receives a reply, which, along with other events, pushes her to make dramatic life decisions. Magic plays a quiet role in this story, and readers may for a time forget there is anything supernatural going on. This is more of a wartime tale of broken families, inspired youths, and higher powers using people as pawns. It flirts with clichéd tropes but also takes some startling turns. Main characters are assumed White; same-sex marriages and gender equality at the warfront appear to be the norm in this world.
Ideal for readers seeking perspectives on war, with a heavy dash of romance and touch of fantasy. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-85743-9
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
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