Character-focused science fiction that packs a punch.
Sometimes the real battle is in your mind.
Sixteen-year-old Tallie Hadderson has dreamed of being a mech-bot pilot since she was 10. Mech battles, “one of the most popular sporting events in the world,” pit towering robots against each other in epic battles. Each machine is maneuvered by two pilots who meld their minds, revealing all their thoughts and emotions in order to create seamless operations. Now entering her final year of training, Tallie hopes to be paired with Diego Rodrigues, her best friend since kindergarten and one of the few people who know that she’s autistic. Instead, Tallie is paired with Zaina Chandra, a virtual unknown who’s just joined the team after getting kicked off another. Despite their “successful mind fit,” Zaina and Tallie can’t seem to get in sync. Neither girl is willing to truly let the other in, and the consequences are disastrous. Their inability to connect causes them to crash their bot their first time out. To achieve their dreams, the two must find a way to fully trust one another and let go of their baggage—or risk losing everything. Although the characterization is largely told rather than shown, the fast pace and engaging plot will draw in reluctant readers. The writing is tight and accessible, and there’s some exploration of Tallie’s experiences as a neurodivergent person. Tallie presents white, and there’s racial diversity among the supporting cast.
Character-focused science fiction that packs a punch. (Science fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
ISBN: 9781459841925
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
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
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© 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.
