A bingeworthy adventure that will leave readers eager for the sequel.
In this series opener, a 16-year-old from Oregon discovers an enchanting—and perilous—world.
When Alexandra Jennings’ parents need to head to an archaeological dig in Siberia, they send her off to a boarding school in Mount Hood National Forest. She’s already distressed about this change, and the school doesn’t make a great first impression—all the students look bored and unhappy. But soon after her arrival, Alex steps through the door to the headmaster’s office and into another world, where she meets a man named Aven, who informs Alex that she’s his “salvation” and that they’ll rule Medora together. Next, she encounters two boys, Jordan and Bear, who attend Akarnae Academy, a place for those with magical abilities. Alex learns that Medora is “kind of like a parallel Earth, but different.” Awaiting the return of the only person who can help her get home, Akarnae’s headmaster, who’s away traveling, Alex enrolls at the school. The delightful friendships she forms with Bear and Jordan enhance her action-packed adventures. The mysterious Aven appears occasionally, adding to the intrigue around Alex’s purpose in Medora. The engaging characters and immersive worldbuilding, which evokes classic magical boarding school stories, make for an addictive read. While Medora’s advanced technology and the origins of the students’ gifts aren’t sufficiently explained, these elements don’t detract from the overall fun. Aven has bronze skin, and the other leads present white.
A bingeworthy adventure that will leave readers eager for the sequel. (map) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: tomorrow
ISBN: 9781662621291
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Astra Young Readers
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia.
A teenage witch goes up against the evil king of the mountain to save a cursed village.
Witch-in-training Verity Vox has spent a year apiece in different villages, helping in any way she can as she learns her art. When it’s time to move on, she receives a sign that shows her where to go next. When the latest sign appears in the form of a note begging for help that floats down on a leaf, she’s eager for the challenge. Verity winds up in Foxfire, a village in the Appalachian mountains that’s been magically cut off from the rest of the world for years, leaving its people close to starvation. The root of their suffering is a man they know as Earl, who lives in the hills and strikes deals with the townspeople that ultimately cause crops to wither, folks to disappear, and the only bridge out of the valley to crumble. Verity is determined to change the villagers’ fortunes, but to do so she’ll have to face off against not just Earl but the ancient power of the mountains itself. Loosely based on the Germanic Erlking legend and told in a voice reminiscent of folktales, the story features a queer romance and a cast that presents white. The convoluted magic system undercuts the strong themes of reciprocity, poverty, and privilege, but Appalachian readers will instantly recognize home.
A sweet if muddled tale of the magic of Appalachia. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9798890032706
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
SEEN & HEARD
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
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