THE WINGED GODS OF ÁCATAR

A young warrior and a so-called monster join forces against impending catastrophe in this fantasy sequel.

The town of Herta stands at the base of Ácatar, a tall mountain that was once home to a kingdom of black-winged creatures. Centuries ago, they used black magic to conjure a fiery conflagration of molten rock from Ácatar, which destroyed their mountain, the whole continent, and themselves. Legend has it that only one monster survived; it sleeps in the ruined castle at the mountain’s summit guarded by a score of stone soldiers and will someday awaken to again wreak destruction. The Academy in Herta provides grueling training in combat and magic, preparing young fighters to join the Order of the Guardians, which patrols the summit for the day of awakening. Like other new cadets, Keith Naceg dreams of a chance to kill the monster and win glory—and now is the time. Atop Ácatar, the earth trembles and stone warriors are coming to life. But the one they call a monster is Alliezih; she’s been hibernating in her chrysalis for centuries and at last is emerging only to discover that her family, her people, and her kingdom are dead and ruined. Confused, weak, and not yet able to use her wings, she’s attacked by Keith and injured, but he’s overwhelmed by Alliezih’s beauty and hesitates, allowing her to flee. Escaping imprisonment for treason, Keith is even more determined to kill the monster. Alliezih’s equally determined to slay him, but when Keith finds her—she and a little girl have escaped from slavers—they put aside their mutual animosity to face impending volcanic disaster as a hellish portal opens on Mount Ácatar. To avoid destruction, they must discover the truth behind legends and convince the Hertans to trust Alliezih, work together, and defeat the threat.

In her second volume of the Legends of the Blue Forest series, G. tells a well-constructed story in which two points of view at first seem diametrically opposed but then converge in a way that’s essential to the excitingly tense resolution. Both Keith and Alliezih must overcome considerable obstacles in becoming allies. As a soldier, he’s accustomed to following orders but must nevertheless doubt everything he’s been taught to believe. She wakes to find her entire world destroyed and Keith trying to murder her, yet she must trust him. Both show admirable courage, selflessness, and quick resilience. Apart from the quest and romance themes, the novel also delivers a mystery that’s centered on the surprising truth behind the legend of Ácatar. Moreover, magical abilities are well calculated, with appropriate limitations but also characteristics that tie directly to the denouement. Alliezih’s early suffering is somewhat melodramatic, but the tale soon recovers its equilibrium. G.’s book was originally in Spanish. The translation by Soni, in his debut, is usually natural and flowing, although a group of male and female cadets is confusingly referred to as boys.

An involving fantasy that offers intriguing worldbuilding, compelling characters, and dramatic action.