A dense but polished novel that provides a solid foundation for a new series.
This YA fantasy series opener finds a prince struggling to master his magical talent as a war between kingdoms looms.
On the world of Amassia, Marcus Adicio is heir to the Throne of Baiseen. The 17-year-old is a “savant” who, like many people, can raise a “phantom” of his subliminal self from the earth. Marcus has an older brother, 19-year-old Petén, but he’s a not a savant, so Marcus is next in line to the throne. But first he must master his formless warrior phantom and test his powers on the Isle of Aku with the High Savant. Accompanying Marcus to Aku is Ash, a non-savant scribe and his best friend; her job is to chronicle the prince’s initiation journey. Joining them is Belair Duquan, a warrior savant from the kingdom of Tangeen. The prognosticating Bone Throwers, who use “whistle bones” to determine which children have the savant potential, warn Marcus that “Surprise comes from the sea.” This refers to Kaylin, a sailor who helps them aboard the Sea Eagle, and disastrous events beyond. According to the Bone Throwers’ prophecy, Marcus must not raise his phantom, which eventually introduces itself as muscular warrior De’ral, until he’s on Aku; his group must also be wary of spies from the hostile realm of Aturnia. Wilder demonstrates early in her layered, surprise-laden fantasy that savants aren’t to be trifled with when Marcus’ father uses his dire wolf phantom to rip the hearts from Aturnian operatives. The medieval and martial arts motifs combine well, while legends of the underwater Mar people add further dimension. The Mar also call into question the fate of the eldest Adicio child, Aaron, whom the Bone Throwers insisted be sacrificed to the sea. Wilder highlights several different characters’ perspectives, and often, sex doesn’t seem far from their minds (“Have you ever known a more divine chap?” Belair asks Ash of Kaylin). For much of the tale, Marcus feels like the protagonist, but a substantial twist subverts this, and it’s only one among several exciting reveals that will shape subsequent volumes.
A dense but polished novel that provides a solid foundation for a new series.Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-64063-414-5
Page Count: 420
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
Several yards short of a touchdown.
A transgender boy starting over at a new school falls hard for a popular cheerleader with a reputation to protect in this debut.
On the first day of senior year, transgender boy Pony locks eyes with cisgender cheerleader Georgia. They both have pasts they want to leave behind. No one at Hillcrest High knows that Pony is transgender, and he intends to keep it that way. Georgia’s last boyfriend shook her trust in boys, and now she’s determined to forget him. As mutual attraction draws them together, Pony and Georgia must decide what they are willing to risk for a relationship. Pony’s best friend, Max, who is also transgender, disapproves of Pony’s choice to live stealth; this disagreement leads to serious conflict in their relationship. Meanwhile, Georgia and Pony behave as if Pony’s trans identity was a secret he was lying to her about rather than private information for him to share of his own volition. The characters only arrive at a hopeful resolution after Pony pays high physical and emotional prices. McSmith places repeated emphasis on the born-in-the-wrong-body narrative when the characters discuss trans identities. Whiteness is situated as the norm, and all main characters are white.
Several yards short of a touchdown. (Fiction. 14-17)Pub Date: May 26, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-06-294317-0
Page Count: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
A fresh and compelling voice.
A second chance prompts a deadly game of wits.
Lu Mingshin is about to be executed. Her fiance, Prince Ren, has ordered her death after using her family’s wealth to vie for the position of crown prince from his half brothers, each of them born to one of the widower king’s Royal Ladies. If that wasn’t enough, Mingshin learns that her Uncle Yi arranged her mother’s murder, and Aylin, her two-faced noblewoman cousin, will be marrying Ren instead. On the verge of death, Mingshin desperately wishes for another chance—only to see flashes of light and wake up two years in the past. With her memories of the future intact, Mingshin intends to not become a victim again, training in combat and vowing to endear herself to King Reifeng to secure her family’s safety. Strange dreams reveal the source of the magic that allowed her to jump back in time. A powerful mage is also on Mingshin’s tail, along with the ruthless enemies she’s already aware of. As Mingshin starts to rewrite her life’s story, new individuals come into play: a visiting Elder with questionable motives; Princess Yunle, who becomes a new best friend; and Prince Jieh, one of Ren’s rivals for the throne. Set in a fantasy world reminiscent of imperial China, this debut novel’s structure has a few oddities, but the clever premise and intriguing and suspenseful plot will keep readers engaged.
A fresh and compelling voice. (Fantasy. 14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
ISBN: 9781454949923
Page Count: 344
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
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