A lovely story fit for a mythical queen.
History and magic intertwine in this fantasy retelling of ancient Celtic mythology.
As the voiceless, unloved younger daughter of Eire’s Dagda, Neve Anann Eriu holds no true power despite her eagerness and ambition. But the tragic death of her older sister, the crown princess, sees Neve on the path to the kingdom’s throne. It’s a path filled with magic, treason, and unexpected alliances. Ronan is a former Druid apprentice–turned-thief whose life is transformed after an unexpected encounter with Neve, a princess whose blood shines with the forbidden magic they seem, impossibly, to share. At a time when magic is outlawed and performed only by power-hungry Druids, Neve and Ronan find themselves on a collision course that could unite the land they both love. The myths of prehistorical Ireland come to life in this slow-moving dual-perspective fantasy novel inspired by ancient legends. It’s a story filled to the brim with sorcery and treason and with a pinch of romance. It also reflects on social divides and injustices between the outcast ancient peoples of Eire and the invading usurpers. Lengthy expository sections bog down parts of the novel but not enough to mar Neve’s ongoing story of growing into her power through her believable fighting skills, smart diplomacy, and outmaneuvering of those who underestimate her.
A lovely story fit for a mythical queen. (the Folk of Eire) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-63893-018-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Zando
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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
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