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
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia.
A teenage witch goes up against the evil king of the mountain to save a cursed village.
Witch-in-training Verity Vox has spent a year apiece in different villages, helping in any way she can as she learns her art. When it’s time to move on, she receives a sign that shows her where to go next. When the latest sign appears in the form of a note begging for help that floats down on a leaf, she’s eager for the challenge. Verity winds up in Foxfire, a village in the Appalachian mountains that’s been magically cut off from the rest of the world for years, leaving its people close to starvation. The root of their suffering is a man they know as Earl, who lives in the hills and strikes deals with the townspeople that ultimately cause crops to wither, folks to disappear, and the only bridge out of the valley to crumble. Verity is determined to change the villagers’ fortunes, but to do so she’ll have to face off against not just Earl but the ancient power of the mountains itself. Loosely based on the Germanic Erlking legend and told in a voice reminiscent of folktales, the story features a queer romance and a cast that presents white. The convoluted magic system undercuts the strong themes of reciprocity, poverty, and privilege, but Appalachian readers will instantly recognize home.
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9798890032706
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
SEEN & HEARD
A compelling romance inhabited by complex and appealing characters.
When star hockey player Alec Barczewski’s estranged childhood friend, Dani Collins, moves to town, they end up in a mutually beneficial fake-dating relationship that reignites old feelings.
Following her parents’ divorce, Dani and her mom move in with Dani’s hockey legend grandfather in Southview, Minnesota, where she spent a month every summer as a child and where her friendship with Alec grew. Between visits, the two were pen pals, but they eventually fell out of touch. Despite some tensions over their loss of friendship, the high school seniors reconnect. Desperate to get off Harvard’s waitlist, Dani needs another extracurricular activity, while Alec—whose reputation took a hit when a photo of him holding a bong appeared on social media—is eager to improve his tarnished image for NHL scouts. The pair strike a deal: They’ll fake date, making Alec look like a stable guy whose academically gifted girlfriend is related to hockey royalty, and in exchange, he’ll get Dani a team manager position that will catch the eye of Harvard’s admissions officers. Eventually, complicated feelings about their past, stressful family relationships, and their brewing romance boil over. Romance fans will love the deliciously tension-filled scenes between Alec and Dani, who are believable friends with heavy demands weighing on them. They feel like real teenagers, and readers will enjoy rooting for them as the well-paced story unfolds. Main characters present white.
A compelling romance inhabited by complex and appealing characters. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2025
ISBN: 9781665921268
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2025
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