A magic-filled debut that will leave readers eager for more from this author.
Two teens discover their intertwined destinies as war returns to the land.
Sixteen-year-old Ahn lives with her grandmother in a small village that’s disappearing into the ever expanding desert. She can’t remember much of her past, before she was found alone in town as a child of 6 and adopted by her Ama; all she can do is focus on their survival by pilfering food—and keeping her secret hidden. Ahn is a Tiensai, those possessing strong spiritual powers who can use magic and are hunted mercilessly by cruel, fanatical Diyeh priests. As the Shi Empire goes into mourning for the deceased emperor and the threat of another war looms, Ahn discovers a dark side to her magic. She also meets enigmatic, 18-year-old Altan, the rightful heir, who is seeking the mythical Life Stealer in order to bring back peace and prosperity. The worldbuilding is rich and layered, mixing Chinese culture and mythology with martial arts and fantastical magic. The depiction of the impact of war, as shown by the Shi Empire’s colonialism, power imbalances with neighboring civilizations, and effect on families and communities, is nuanced and balanced with discussions of strong leadership, national pride, and service. The smoldering romance takes place against the backdrop of themes of duality and complementarity in nature, trauma and revenge, self-sacrifice, truth in history, and the fight for a better future.
A magic-filled debut that will leave readers eager for more from this author. (glossary, notes about the fantasy world) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 12, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-305636-7
Page Count: 464
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
A fantastical world to get lost in.
A girl carves out her own destiny in this retelling of a classic Korean folktale.
In hopes of satisfying the Sea God and averting devastating floods and storms, villages sacrifice a fair maiden every year. People believe that when the true bride of the Sea God is found, all disasters and sacrifices will forever cease. Sixteen-year-old Mina’s focus is on saving her brother Joon, who breaks protocol to follow his love, this year’s sacrificial bride, out to sea. Joon plans to fight the Sea God’s dragon servant, but Mina stows away on the boat and throws herself into the water instead. After Mina wakes up in the Spirit Realm, she finds a ribbon—the Red String of Fate—wound around her palm and connecting her to a handsome young Sea God who seems caught in an enchantment. Suddenly nobleman Lord Shin and his cohorts appear, severing the ribbon and thereby taking Mina’s soul. Shin argues this is necessary for the safety of the Sea God and peace within the realm. Soulless and now also voiceless, Mina must navigate the politics and warring gods of the Spirit Realm to retrieve her soul and break the Sea God’s enchantment in order to bring peace to both human and spirit worlds. Oh weaves an intricate and engaging tale. At times, the packed plot interrupts the flow of Mina’s quest, but captivated readers will long to be pulled deeper into the story.
A fantastical world to get lost in. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Feb. 22, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-250-78086-7
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Nov. 29, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
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