A rousing sequel that’s stronger in its fantasy than its romance aspects.
Time is running out for the cursed ruler of Biringan in this follow-up to The Encanto’s Daughter (2024).
In the months following her coronation as queen, MJ Robertson-Rodriguez still struggles to control her magical powers as an encanto and to fully adapt to her royal role. She’s heartbroken over ex-boyfriend Lucas Invierno, her protector and the boy she still loves, who’s officially engaged to the unpleasant Amador Oscura, his childhood friend and MJ’s nemesis. Thankfully, MJ has her closest friend, Nix, by her side, but she finds herself trying to prevent a war when Crown Prince Qian of Jade Mountain, Nix’s monster-hunting brother, unexpectedly arrives at Biringan and demands that his sister return home immediately. However unfortunate all these circumstances are for MJ, the most troubling issue at hand is the news that a manananggal, a terrifying vampirelike monster, is terrorizing the kingdom at night. Meanwhile, MJ is haunted by nightmares in which she hungers for flesh. Her discovery of an ancestor who was similarly afflicted requires MJ to choose between her heart’s deepest desires and breaking a terrifying curse. The lush backdrop, infused with Philippine folklore, sets this fantasy series with a racially diverse cast apart. The horror elements are also well executed, but MJ’s passionate romance with Lucas and a potential love triangle fall flat due to weak characterization.
A rousing sequel that’s stronger in its fantasy than its romance aspects. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: March 4, 2025
ISBN: 9780593533116
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
Come for the forbidden romance and interpersonal machinations rather than the titular Games.
Bly’s world is filled with vampires, witches, and humans like herself.
Vampires and witches live under an uneasy peace, but for two weeks each year, they play the Revenant Games. During this time, humans can choose a side, try to capture a member of the opposing faction, and claim a reward: The witches will raise someone from the dead, while the vampires will grant you immortality. Bly enters in hopes of winning her sister Elise’s resurrection. During preparations for the Games, however, Emerson, her best friend and crush, receives a death curse from a witch that can only be cured if he attains immortality. The two team up, playing for both sides in an attempt to save both Emerson and Elise. But when they capture a vampire called Kerrigan, and Bly’s feelings for him get complicated, she faces difficult decisions. This book’s real draw is the abundant drama between the players. The Games themselves mostly feel like walks through the woods punctuated by occasional battles, and the explanation for the witches’ and vampires’ incentives to risk their lives is unconvincing, making the overall setup feel contrived. Fans of traditional vampires will enjoy the book’s portrayal of these velvet-wearing creatures, however. The abrupt ending sets things up to be continued in a possible sequel. Bly is cued white; Emerson has dark brown skin, and supporting characters bring diversity in skin color and sexual orientation.
Come for the forbidden romance and interpersonal machinations rather than the titular Games. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: March 19, 2024
ISBN: 9781665934411
Page Count: 416
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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