ALKREM

In this work translated from Italian, a boy discovers his true identity and learns there’s more to history than what they teach in school.

Raised as the adopted son of a high-ranking Archemist, Theo expected his 13th birthday to unite him with his Apto, a talking animal adviser. Instead, a Mutolo, or warrior companion, appears, and Theo learns he’s an Alkrem, hidden as a baby in a magical tree for 80 years. In a society strictly divided by ability, the Archemists rule Paris, and the Alkrem are forced to live in hiding. Theo flees, but his adoptive father is injured and captured. Now a fugitive, Theo is determined to find the Alkrexa, a dangerously powerful magical weapon and healing object. Can Theo find it in time to save his father—or will the vicious Negatos and a mysterious villain named the Shadow ravage everyone, Archemist and Alkrem alike? This stand-alone sword-and-sorcery fantasy is a page-turner propelled by captivating characters and frequent battles. Like many reluctant chosen ones, Theo is a virtuous protagonist. He breaks the rules, but only to protect those he loves. Theo’s experience navigating two starkly different cultures adds an intriguing layer to the lush worldbuilding. Especially fascinating is the way elixirs and weapons are used combatively. Most characters are cued white, and there’s diversity in skin tone among the supporting cast.

An intriguing, fast-paced fantasy with appeal for fans of Percy Jackson.