An impressive first installment with a remarkable, series-worthy hero.
An extraordinary teen girl may be the chosen one to halt an imminent war in this launch of a prospective YA fantasy series.
Maya Dempsey plans to compete in the Cluiche, an annual event in the Leigheasan sect, one of four sects in the land of Sori. Though females take part in a trivia contest, the physical competitions, from archery to jousting, are traditionally male only. Maya, however, is more than capable in these and other skills. Leigheasan can control elements, but they are prohibited from doing so during certain Cluiche contests. But when a fellow contestant uses a fire element against Maya, she retaliates with her own. Not only was Maya unaware she could control elements, she also didn’t know that she could wield all four—a singular trait among her people. Some suspect she’s the chosen one to “rebalance” power in Sori. Indeed, the goddess Nantosuelta has granted Maya various powers, and there are more on the way. Maya soon uncovers a plan to provoke war among the sects, which include the werewolflike Galenvargs, the vampirish Veirlintus, and the merely human Duines. Though she’s increasing her potent supernatural abilities and weapons, Maya is up against a formidable opponent. This shadowy villain, who goes by Dullahan, practices “the forbidden,” which entails imprisoning souls. Meanwhile, signs of a potential war include the missing shipments of the Veirlintus’ and the Galenvargs’ food supply (i.e., the blood of Duine prisoners). Maya tries to warn people of impending conflict and defend them whenever possible, soon realizing that Dullahan isn’t the greatest menace.
As this is an opening installment, Saur spends numerous pages worldbuilding. Much of the focus is on the Leigheasan, who are akin to witches. Maya’s friends Willum MacLeoid, a Galenvarg, and Jeremias Barraclough, a Veirlintu, provide insight into their respective sects. There are hints of the series’ larger narrative, namely that, unknown to many in Sori, additional realms and myriad other sects exist. Gaelic terms, Celtic mythology, and other, more esoteric ideas are folded into the mix. Fortunately, there’s a glossary, and the author supplies context when needed. Maya, meanwhile, is a superb protagonist. She often seems ambivalent: She’s protective of many people but also disturbingly unfazed when she kills. This duality is a consistent theme for the character, who must continually choose to deploy her powers for either good or bad. Descriptions are simple but effective; a few characters appear as mere “ghostly figure[s],” which, particularly in the case of Dullahan, can be unnerving. Saur engages readers with the anticipation of looming war as well as Maya’s burgeoning abilities, which she progressively discovers. As there’s considerably more to learn about Sori, its people, and the powerful teenager, fans of this novel will surely crave a sequel.
An impressive first installment with a remarkable, series-worthy hero. (author’s note, glossary, author bio)Pub Date: Oct. 30, 2020
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 278
Publisher: Koehler Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
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