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 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
A charming cozy fantasy about defying expectations and finding love.
The lives of two Los Angeles girls inhabiting different universes intersect, proving that love knows no bounds.
Brenda Nguyen has a 19-step plan to save the world. Kat Woo is haunted by her legacy as the chosen one, a role she has no interest in. Brenda, working on an environmental science college scholarship application, stumbles into Sammy’s Coffee and Pick-Me-Ups, which Kat’s family owns. As the girls get to know each other, Brenda at last finds someone who’ll listen to her detailed plans, while Kat discovers she has something to look forward to. The girls, who alternate narrating the story, must defy the odds as their worlds begin to collide. As well as being a love story, this is an exploration of familial expectations: Kat is trying to outrun them, while Brenda is driven to fulfill hers. The girls, who are of Chinese and Vietnamese descent, respectively, complement each other: Brenda learns to live in the present, and Kat begins to look to the future. While there are pixie swarms and mana surges, the action takes a back seat to characterization. Lee’s fully developed parallel worlds are alike in many ways, although in Kat’s, you can buy teleportation spells at Target. The cast is rounded out by solid portrayals of the girls’ friends and family, who are important to the plot.
A charming cozy fantasy about defying expectations and finding love. (author’s note, recommended reading) (Fantasy romance. 14-18)Pub Date: June 10, 2025
ISBN: 9781250778024
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: March 8, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2025
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