RITE OF PASSAGE

Bailey offers a YA fantasy novel set in a world of clashing destinies and deep-seated prejudice.

Élan is an 18-year-old burdened by his dual heritage—half Eldridge, half Castalian—which makes him an outcast in his own society, as he may have frightening magical powers as a result. His life is shattered when he witnesses the brutal murder of his parents by the evil Satyr forces. Afterward, he’s grudgingly taken in by his uncle, the DragonLord Leavenstar—an act that’s portrayed as a near-refusal. Élan’s existence, in fact, is marked by constant fear and rejection, which has the effect of fueling his desires for revenge against the Satyr Nations of the Phar Empire.The pair’s relationship is a complex one, as Leavenstar’s internal conflicts about raising Élan clash with the young man’s search for understanding and acceptance. The journey upon which they embark is fraught with peril, including encounters with birdlike creatures called grypis and the looming threat of the Satyr invasion. Adding to Élan’s turmoil is his forbidden love for the king’s niece, which only adds to his emotional burdens. As his Eldridge/Castalian powers awaken, he finds a crucial ally in a dragon, Moonshadow. His journey becomes a battle to prove his worth, forcing him to question his own agency. Over the course of this fantasy tale, Bailey masterfully creates a world where political intrigue, racial tensions, and personal struggles intertwine. The narrative is rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of the world’s creatures, cultures, and landscapes: “The binary Suns were setting as man and beast walked out into the green-tinged and fading light of the early evening and emerged onto a wide ledge set into a cliff face overlooking the foaming waves of the sea thousands of feet below.” Bailey never shies away from exploring the darker aspects of his characters’ natures, including prejudice, hatred, and abuse of power. Élan’s journey is effectively shown to be a dangerous one, not only due to external threats but also internal conflicts, as he tries to find a place in a world that won’t accept his existence.

A well-told story of devastating loss and forbidden love.