An indelible cast fuels this measured but entertaining intergalactic adventure.
Warriors join forces to save both of their linked home planets in this third installment of McGarry’s Green Galaxy SF series.
Earth and the planet Centaurius, “birthed alongside each other,” have gradually drifted apart and flourished in separate galaxies. But their fates are combined, and when one is under attack, both planets are in danger. Nella, a princess warrior from Centaurius prophesied to save Earth, is targeted by the diabolical wizard Zennibar. Somewhere on Earth is Nella’s “counterpart” whom she must track down, a man named Allen McBride. His physical and mental abilities are evidently “off the charts,” though he’s initially unaware of his true power or connection to a prophecy. An invasion by aliens commences before Nella, aboard the spaceship the PHOENIX, reaches Earth; Zennibar unleashes the Red Brume infection, which drives humans mad, and demons possess government officials and leaders. With Earth already ravaged by ecological crises, time is running out for Nella, Allen, and numerous allies determined to save the planet from sinister forces. McGarry’s story bounces among multiple narrative perspectives—Allen’s POV on Earth, Nella’s on the PHOENIX, those of various characters’ back on Centaurius, and more. These shifts give the story welcome boosts of energy as Allen learns a shocking family secret and a new recruit joins the team aboard the Centaurian mothership. The cast truly shines, especially the courageous and capable Nella, her legendary warrior grandmother, and even a couple of Allen’s relatives. The action, however, is minimal, with characters spending more time making plans than engaging in combat. Readers have to wait some time before Nella lands on Earth, and the buildup to a much-promised “epic battle between light and darkness” doesn’t quite pay off. Still, parallels to real life enhance the environmental message woven into the narrative: Many humans deny the planet’s obvious ecological troubles, which “self-serving leaders” only exacerbate. While the ending is wholly satisfying, it also hints at sequels to come.
An indelible cast fuels this measured but entertaining intergalactic adventure.Pub Date: June 2, 2025
ISBN: 9798895895467
Page Count: 550
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
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