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
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
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
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