A heartfelt Sapphic romance wrapped in exciting otherworldly action.
On a distant planet, girls from opposing domains overcome obstacles to be together.
After colliding with a radioactive asteroid, the planet Pagomènos became “tidally locked”—with one side permanently in the sun and the other in darkness. The dayfolk descended underground, preserving their memories of the before times in implanted microchips. The nightfolk embraced the asteroid’s radiation and attendant mutations, including powers of telekinesis and wings that permit flight. Kori, the 16-year-old heiress of the Daylands, is on a hunt to awaken sentience in Aspect, her mech companion, when she enters the forbidden Shadowlands and is captured by its mutant queen, Adria. Seventeen-year-old Adria wants to be the ruthless leader that the Shadowlands needs, but deep down she’s merciful. Kori begins as Adria’s prisoner, but the pair kindle a friendship—and eventually, romance—as they recognize their similarities. But the turmoil of their respective societies proves to be a significant hurdle. The story is engaging and suspenseful. Kori, whose skin is a “sun-kissed tan,” and Adria, who has “blue-white skin,” are appealing protagonists, and it’s easy to root for their romance. The worldbuilding of the captivating setting leans heavily into the fantastical, but the exposition can be dry compared to the more enjoyable character-centric moments. Aspect is endearing and provides comic relief; their development is heartwarming. At its core, this is an inspiring tale about queer teens conquering the odds to live as their truest selves.
A heartfelt Sapphic romance wrapped in exciting otherworldly action. (Science fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
ISBN: 9781682638187
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2026
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in.
Black is back with another dark tale of Faerie, this one set in Faerie and launching a new trilogy.
Jude—broken, rebuilt, fueled by anger and a sense of powerlessness—has never recovered from watching her adoptive Faerie father murder her parents. Human Jude (whose brown hair curls and whose skin color is never described) both hates and loves Madoc, whose murderous nature is true to his Faerie self and who in his way loves her. Brought up among the Gentry, Jude has never felt at ease, but after a decade, Faerie has become her home despite the constant peril. Black’s latest looks at nature and nurture and spins a tale of court intrigue, bloodshed, and a truly messed-up relationship that might be the saving of Jude and the titular prince, who, like Jude, has been shaped by the cruelties of others. Fierce and observant Jude is utterly unaware of the currents that swirl around her. She fights, plots, even murders enemies, but she must also navigate her relationship with her complex family (human, Faerie, and mixed). This is a heady blend of Faerie lore, high fantasy, and high school drama, dripping with description that brings the dangerous but tempting world of Faerie to life.
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-316-31027-7
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Sept. 25, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2017
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
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