A formulaic and simplistic high-fantasy adventure that never truly lives up to its potential.
A young girl’s journey from servant to rebel leader.
In Paerolia, human, elven, and mixed-descent male children are chosen to bond with dragons to become Riders, although true political power is held by judges. Half-human, half-elf Andra is an indentured servant in the Hall of Riders—where she one day accidentally interrupts a Pairing ceremony, preventing a hatchling dragon from bonding with its match. Andra is sent away to the Chief Judge’s manor, where she endures a year of torment before being kidnapped by a team of assassins led by their alluring leader, Kael. On her journey to the rebel camp, Andra meets Tiri, a young dragon whose mind speaks directly to hers, and she learns that she has magic of her own. Swan’s debut has enough material for an entire trilogy packed into a stand-alone novel. Andra’s off-page rape and on-page torture as well as her unfettered rise to become the most powerful magic yielder, fighter, and rebel leader, as well as a Rider, are all dealt with superficially. The potentially complex political background of the story is glossed over in exchange for two stereotypical villains. The main character is assumed white, and some secondary characters, including the romantic interest, Kael, are described as having golden-brown skin.
A formulaic and simplistic high-fantasy adventure that never truly lives up to its potential. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-7653-9299-2
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Tor Teen
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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