WAR AND WRENS

In Dunker’s third YA fantasy novel in a series, two old friends team up to create a network of spies.

Nineteen-year-old Zren Janin has settled in Manumina, a Conrosan settlement, but he won’t experience peace now that Vikland is at war with Kerek. Now, the few inhabitants of Manumina are worried about raiders, soldiers stealing their food or livestock to feed the army, and spies that might share their secrets. To try and help them fly under the nearby warring parties’ radar, Zren sends a message to Ngahuru asking for advice on how to change their appearance to blend in better and on how he might keep his friends safe. She comes to Manumina herself, along with the young people she’s taken under her wing—her “Wrens.” Ngahuru has a plan: Each of Zren’s people will teach her Wrens a different skill, and then they’ll be sent out into the world to gather intelligence that will lead to the downfall of the King. Zren and Ngahuru work together on their “Academy of Treason” with an aim to exact revenge—and maybe bring about some well-deserved peace at last. This third installment of the Tales of Zren Janin series isn’t ideal as a stand-alone; it’s recommended that the books be read in order. Still, the author does a fair job of catching new readers up on what’s happened in Zren’s life, even supplying a helpful cast of characters. But with so many unfamiliar terms, including job titles and weapon names, readers may easily get confused; at one point, for example, Ngahuru, one of the main characters, introduces herself as “Tiju Tia of Kerek City,” and she then switches between the two names throughout a good portion of the story. That said, even brand-new readers will fall for Zren, who often doubts himself and his abilities but tries his hardest to be whatever his friends need him to be. Although this fantasy tale is written for young adults, it’s sure to appeal to adult readers as well.

An often engaging adventure-series installment but not the best entry point for new readers.