A series closer set in an expansive fantasy realm that’s let down by a rushed pace.
The second installment in the Waking Fire duology delivers a relentless, action-packed continuation of the story.
Picking up shortly after the events of the previous installment, the book reunites readers with Naira, who’s still haunted by visions from the Three-Faced God. She begins a treacherous journey across the unforgiving salt pans in search of Gamikal the Long-Lasting, a figure she believes holds the key to defeating the oppressive force of Sothpike. Struggling to control the fire magic she discovered in the first book, Naira faces external threats and internal turmoil as she leads her companions through a series of landscapes filled with danger and revelations. Naira’s quest to find Sothpike drives the plot, but the overwhelming pace and influx of new characters and mythological elements often make it difficult to fully engage with the story. While the world surrounding the brown-skinned characters is richly inspired by a blend of diverse cultures and traditions, the narrative offers limited time for reflection or a deeper understanding of these influences. Naira’s struggles add emotional depth but are often overshadowed by the rapid storytelling. Her relationships feel underdeveloped and lacking in maturity when compared to the complexity of the worldbuilding. Despite these shortcomings, the strong narrative momentum and vivid imagery make this a gripping, if somewhat chaotic, read for those already invested in Naira’s journey.
A series closer set in an expansive fantasy realm that’s let down by a rushed pace. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: March 11, 2025
ISBN: 9781335010056
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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
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