Godhood is close at hand for Séverin and his crew in the epic conclusion to the Gilded Wolves trilogy.
Immediately following the devastating events of The Silvered Serpents(2020), Séverin, now separated from his friends, possesses the divine lyre. It’s a legendary instrument that, when played within the sacred temple beneath Poveglia, or Plague Island, could grant godly powers—and Séverin’s lineage renders him its sole player. Ruslan, the diabolical patriarch of the Fallen House, is the key to finding said temple, and Séverin must tread carefully if he wants to rescue Laila, Enrique, Zofia, and Hypnos, who have lost faith in him after his seeming betrayal at the Sleeping Palace in Russia. With a single clue, they traverse Venice to reunite with Séverin because Laila’s days are numbered and Séverin’s fantastical desires may hold her last chance at living. Chokshi crafts a final magnificent adventure infused with exhilarating perils and diverse mythologies, characters, and languages. While Séverin’s undying love for Laila and fear of losing his friends are at the forefront of this story, every character is beloved and worthy of praise, each possessing unique gifts, drives, and histories, although comedic-relief Hypnos deserves more opportunities to shine. There is no question that this is the end, and readers invested since the first installment will hold this last story close to their hearts.
An emotionally charged and passionate farewell to an invigorating fantasy series. (Historical fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Sept. 21, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-14460-7
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2021
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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. 13, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
Categories: TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES
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A grieving teen’s devotion to romance films might ruin her chances at actual romance.
Liz Buxbaum has always adored rom-coms, not least for helping her still feel close to her screenwriter mother, who died when she was little. Liz hopes that her senior year might turn into a real-life romantic fantasy, as an old crush has moved back to town, cuter and nicer than ever. Surely she can get Michael to ask her to prom. If only Wes, the annoying boy next door, would help her with her scheming! This charming, fluffy concoction manages to pack into one goofy plot every conceivable trope, from fake dating to the makeover to the big misunderstanding. Creative, quirky, daydreaming Liz is just shy of an annoying stereotype, saved by a dry wit and unresolved grief and anger. Wes makes for a delightful bad boy with a good heart, and supporting characters—including a sassy best friend, a perfect popular rival, even a (not really) evil stepmother—all get the opportunity to transcend their roles. The only villain here is Liz’s lovelorn imagination, provoking her into foolish lies that cause actual hurt feelings; but she is sufficiently self-aware to make amends just in time for the most important trope of all: a blissfully happy ending. All characters seem to be White by default.
Exactly what the title promises. (Romance. 12-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5344-6762-0
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
Categories: TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE
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