A thrilling, heartfelt journey of identity, friendship, and rediscovered myth.
Two extraordinary teens discover their hidden Atlantean heritage and face mythical trials to stop an ancient enemy in Alexander’s YA fantasy novel.
Nada appears at first glance to be a deaf teen living in quiet anonymity. She has always kept secret the rare gift she’s possessed since she was a child: She can see sound as light. Her world is upended when she meets Kani, a new student with an uncanny ability of his own, passed down through his family, to sense and manipulate vibrations. Their meeting ignites a chain of supernatural events that reveals them to be the last descendants of Atlantis and heirs to an ancient, forgotten power. As shadowy creatures visible only to them emerge from the bowels of myth, Nada and Kani piece together the mystery of their shared lineage. The plot thickens further when the two teens learn that they must complete five elemental trials set by the ruthless Dei Tenebris gods to prevent the end of the world. Each trial will challenge their abilities, their bond, and their growing understanding of who they truly are (“That connection between you two is what’s going to help you survive these trials”). Readers are led deeper into the lore of this world as Nada and Kani uncover clues hidden in ancient texts, forgotten songs, and shimmering visions only they can perceive. Along the way, they face betrayal, forge unexpected alliances, and come to understand that true power lies in unity and self-acceptance. Alexander’s accessible narrative is as emotional as it is mythic, blending action-packed sequences with affecting moments of vulnerability and courage. It takes a while for the stakes to be clearly established, but they are compelling enough to propel readers through the story. The representation of Nada as a deaf protagonist is both respectful and empowering as the character provides a fresh take on what it means to be extraordinary. Though aimed at younger readers, the poetic use of sound and silence elevates the text, allowing older readers to enjoy the story as well.
A thrilling, heartfelt journey of identity, friendship, and rediscovered myth.Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2024
ISBN: 9781739449445
Page Count: 224
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: April 25, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry.
Three young people find their places in a world of vengeance and destiny in National Book Award winner Tahir’s duology opener set in the multicultural world of her An Ember in the Ashes series.
Aiz, from the impoverished nation of Kegar, seeks revenge against Tiral bet-Hiwa, an air squadron commander who, as a child, murdered Aiz’s fellow orphans. Guided by a voice claiming to be Mother Div, Kegar’s first queen, Aiz escapes imprisonment after her failed assassination attempt on Tiral and embarks on a journey to free Mother Div’s trapped spirit. In the Martial Empire, Sirsha, a skilled tracker with magical abilities who’s been banished from her homeland, is saved by a stranger who hires her to hunt an unnatural killer. Quil, the crown prince of the Martial Empire, faces an invasion by the Kegari and the lingering threat of a mysterious force responsible for recent murders, including those of two of his loved ones. As the storylines converge, Sirsha and Quil cross paths, leading to revelations about the insidious force. The story explores the blurred line between good and evil and the lengths one will go to for a better life. Tahir’s deep and intricate worldbuilding requires time for readers to fully grasp. Following a slow start, the plot engages as pieces fall into place, leading up to an unexpected ending. The beautiful writing compensates for the romantic relationships, which develop quickly and somewhat inorganically.
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593616949
Page Count: 496
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in.
Black is back with another dark tale of Faerie, this one set in Faerie and launching a new trilogy.
Jude—broken, rebuilt, fueled by anger and a sense of powerlessness—has never recovered from watching her adoptive Faerie father murder her parents. Human Jude (whose brown hair curls and whose skin color is never described) both hates and loves Madoc, whose murderous nature is true to his Faerie self and who in his way loves her. Brought up among the Gentry, Jude has never felt at ease, but after a decade, Faerie has become her home despite the constant peril. Black’s latest looks at nature and nurture and spins a tale of court intrigue, bloodshed, and a truly messed-up relationship that might be the saving of Jude and the titular prince, who, like Jude, has been shaped by the cruelties of others. Fierce and observant Jude is utterly unaware of the currents that swirl around her. She fights, plots, even murders enemies, but she must also navigate her relationship with her complex family (human, Faerie, and mixed). This is a heady blend of Faerie lore, high fantasy, and high school drama, dripping with description that brings the dangerous but tempting world of Faerie to life.
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-316-31027-7
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Sept. 25, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2017
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
