Romance trumps action even during the final battle to save the world in this trilogy closer.
At 17, Skye learned she was the daughter of two angels, one a Guardian and one a Rebel, giving her supernatural powers beyond any ever before seen. Now in conflict with both factions, she and her friends unite to try to forge a new way and keep the universe in balance. Sadly, both of her heartthrobs, former Guardian Devin and Asher, now both in the Rebel camp, oppose her, even though they all still have to attend high school together. Skye tracks down two other Rogue angels, one with a cute little daughter named Earth, and the group sets out to prepare for the epic battle and for another important event: prom. When that heroic battle occurs, Davies keeps her focus more on romance than on the action, interrupting the battle numerous times for conversations explaining the participants’ emotions, decisions and sudden romantic realizations; Asher reaches full Harlequin eloquence in his final speech to Skye. In the closing pages, Skye makes a final, major choice that indeed should fully end the trilogy. Skye, Devin and Asher come across as standard-issue romance heroes, but a few of the minor characters achieve some nice individuality, especially Earth.
For romance fans only, who should enjoy it. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 24, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-06-199069-4
Page Count: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013
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A princess embarks on a dangerous path to the throne.
In the island kingdom of Visidia, where each person is allowed just one type of magic, only the members of the royal Montara family have the ability to wield the dangerous soul magic. Princess Amora is next in line to be High Animancer, but she must first prove to her people that she is powerful enough to use her magic to protect them. But something goes terribly wrong during a critical public ceremony, and Amora runs away with dashing pirate Bastian, whose rescue comes with a price: She must help him recover his own magic, stolen away by a dangerous man leading a growing rebellion that could bring down the whole kingdom. Debut author Grace wields her own magic with a skillful balancing act between high-stakes adventure (here there be monsters, mermaids, and high-seas shenanigans), bloody fantasy, and character development in a story with a lovable found family at its core. Amora yearns for adventure just as she welcomes her right to command her kingdom; her ferocious sense of duty and legitimate need to do good shine through. The novel’s further unravelling of dark secrets long kept comes with a recognized need for accountability and making amends which adds a thoughtful extra layer to the rich worldbuilding. Amora has copper-brown skin and dark, curly hair; other characters have a range of skin tones in this diverse world.
An accomplished, exciting debut. (guide to the kingdom) (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-30778-1
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Imprint
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2019
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BOOK REVIEW
Amid a war and rising civil unrest, a young thief discovers the shocking power within her that sparks a revolution.
At 17, Mare knows that without an apprenticeship or job, her next birthday will bring a conscription to join the war. She contributes to her poor family’s income the only way she can, stealing from the Silvers, who possess myriad powers and force her and her fellow Reds into servitude. The Silvers literally bleed silver, and they can manipulate metal, plants and animals, among many other talents. When Mare’s best friend, Kilorn, loses his job and is doomed to conscription, she is determined to change his fate. She stumbles into a mysterious stranger after her plan goes awry and is pulled out of her village and into the world of Silver royalty. Once inside the palace walls, it isn’t long before Mare learns that powers unknown to red-blooded humans lie within her, powers that could lead a revolution. Familiar tropes abound. Mare is revealed as a great catalyst for change among classes and is groomed from rags to riches, and of course, seemingly kind characters turn out to be foes. However, Aveyard weaves a compelling new world, and Mare and the two men in her life evolve intriguingly as class tension rises. Revolution supersedes romance, setting the stage for action-packed surprises.
An inventive, character-driven twist breathes new life into tired fantasy trends. (Fantasy. 13 & up)Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-231063-7
Page Count: 400
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: Nov. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2014
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