All things considered, it’s a disappointing denouement.
The third and final installment of the Otherkin series reunites readers with Dez and the other shifters at Morfael’s school for otherkin just six weeks after their bittersweet triumph over Ximon and the Tribunal (Othermoon, 2013).
Despite a passionate new love, Dez can’t seem to shake the feelings of guilt over Siku’s tragic death and Caleb’s disappearance. Torn between her love for two brothers and the desire to know with certainty who she truly is and where she belongs, Dez once again finds herself battling demons from the Othersphere and confronting newfound and sometimes difficult truths about her biological family. Of the three books in the series, this is by far the weakest. Steamy love scenes are few and far between. Intriguing relationships, like the burgeoning lesbian love affair between London and Amaris, are never explored in any sort of meaningful or satisfying manner. And after spending the two previous novels loving to hate the deliciously evil Ximon, readers anxious for one final, climactic confrontation with the leader of the Tribunal will be left disappointed. While fans of the series may be left longing for the novel that could have been, Dez’s quest to belong remains an intriguing plotline, and there are enough action sequences and otherworldly adventures to keep readers from giving out halfway through.
All things considered, it’s a disappointing denouement. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7582-9238-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Kteen
Review Posted Online: Dec. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2013
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart.
A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.
Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
ISBN: 9798347100217
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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