A strong ending.
This duology closer following 2020’s Goddess in the Machine quickly establishes where Andra and Zhade left off.
Zhade has taken on his brother’s face and Crown to rule their city, while Andra’s working with the Schism on the cryogenically frozen colonists’ rocket. Although readers are dropped back into the rhythm and flavor of the world through heavy use of futuristic dialogue, the intricacies of the worldbuilding are more sparse; disoriented readers would be well served by refreshing themselves on the first installment. In Zhade’s storyline, he struggles to enact his visions for the city and has difficulty working the Crown while angels are going rogue and attacking people. Desperate situations drive him to accept help from people he wouldn’t usually trust. Meanwhile, Andra grapples with her existence as an AI, searching out Dr. Griffin’s secrets and her own purpose as a tool for humanity. Once the story gets moving, layered parallels—between characters, themes, and plotlines—provide a thoughtful, highly rewarding read. Some of the many twists are heavily foreshadowed, but the most impactful are delightfully obvious only in retrospect. The romance between Andra and Zhade is usually backgrounded but serves nicely in keeping the story halves emotionally connected. Incidental diversity—of race (Zhade’s White), sexuality, and ability—is representatively present among the large cast, though the differences and similarities dwelt upon are those between humans and AI. The previous book establishes Andra as biracial (Chinese/White).
A strong ending. (Science fiction. 12-adult)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-984835-95-6
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: June 10, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
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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