A satisfying duology closer.
A teen continues his journey of self-discovery as he and his brother stand on opposite sides of impending war in this follow-up to 2025’s Breath of the Dragon.
After he’s framed for the theft of the Scroll of Heaven, Li Jun, along with his former Iron Core school rival, Yin Yue, and the two Eastern Aspects, Water and Lure, vow to recover it and prevent a war between East and West Longhan. As they follow the thief’s trail, Jun experiences the reality of existing in the shadow of his identical twin, Sai, who’s now the respected High Keeper and Guardian of the Scroll of Earth. Jun’s introspection is grounding and realistic as he analyzes his failures as Guardian, his struggles with emotional maturity, and his sense of self-worth—in contrast to his brother’s success. While the plot is fairly straightforward, the explorations of destiny, true strength, and the power of using one’s voice to persuade others are gripping. Similarly, the depiction of competing ideologies, which could bring about a devastating war between the East and West or, conversely, a peaceful reunification, is humanized through the twins and older adult characters, General Cobu and Tether. The romance plotline takes a backseat to a focus on Jun’s bond with Sai, as well as his friendships with Yin Yue and Ren, for whom he still harbors tender feelings. If the wrap-up is a bit too tidy, returning fans will nevertheless be pleased.
A satisfying duology closer. (map) (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026
ISBN: 9781250902702
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet, romantic visit to the iconic Disney Fairies world.
The Pixie Dust Root is in danger, and one fairy is determined to save it—and the Pixie Dust Tree that all of Pixie Hollow depends upon.
In this stand-alone story set in the same world as Allison Saft’s Wings of Starlight (2025), Periwinkle, a frost-talent who has a gift for finding things—or maybe they have a way of finding her?—discovers a lost thread of magic that grants her the ability to dream. But not all dreams are as sparkly as Periwinkle. One night, she awakens from a nightmare to find herself in the Winter Woods with a fairy she’s never met, a sparrow man named Weaver, who claims to be a rare dream-talent. Disconcertingly, Weaver knows her—he calls her “perfect Periwinkle” and for some reason doesn’t seem to like her very much. Nevertheless, Periwinkle finds herself drawn to Weaver. When he tells her he can save the Pixie Dust Root by spinning her dreams into thread if she helps him find the magic tools he needs, Periwinkle agrees. Their journey leads the pair, who are pale-skinned, to discover things they like about each other, too. This is an opposites-attract adventure with romantic tension, a high-stakes quest, personal discovery, and betrayal. The characters struggle with inner turmoil while also adjusting their understanding of each other. Bright balances the fun with explorations of themes of snap judgments, labels, and weaponizing fear.
A sweet, romantic visit to the iconic Disney Fairies world. (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
ISBN: 9780736447362
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Disney/Random House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
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