Brief Synopsis “The Shadow of Kyoshi” by F.C. Yee follows the events of the first book, as Kyoshi works to continue her development into a fully-fledged Avatar. But ghosts of the past threaten to undo all of her hard work… Content Warnings: Violence (PG-13) What Do I Think? In my review for this book’s predecessor, … Continue reading The Shadow of Kyoshi, by F.C. Yee
Brief Synopsis “Witchlings” is Claribel A. Ortega’s second novel, which sees the young Seven Salazar as she desires to join the most powerful coven in her town. When the ceremony goes awry and she is not only cast as a Spare, but also tasked with finding and defeating a Nightbeast, she’ll have to work together … Continue reading Witchlings, by Claribel A. Ortega
Brief Synopsis “The Marvellers” is Dhonielle Clayton’s middle-grade debut set in a magical world. Ella Durand is an 11 year-old Conjuror, the first allowed to attend Arcanum Training Institute, which previously was only open to Marvellers. With tensions rising, she’ll have to navigate a strange new world of rules and magic… Content Warnings: Violence (PG), … Continue reading The Marvellers, by Dhonielle Clayton
Brief Synopsis “The Rise of Kyoshi” is the first of a duology, focusing on the early life of Avatar Kyoshi as she comes into power as the Avatar. Content Warnings: Violence (PG-13), Major Character Death What Do I Think? I have long been a fan of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” I loved the initial series, … Continue reading The Rise of Kyoshi, by F.C. Yee
Brief Synopsis “City of Gold” is the fourth book in the Aru Shah series by Roshani Chokshi, and sees Aru Shah struggling to grapple with the war against her father, the evil Sleeper. Content Warnings: Violence (PG) What Do I Think? This review is hard. Up until now, I have been singing Chokshi’s praises with … Continue reading Aru Shah and the City of Gold, by Roshani Chokshi
Brief Synopsis “Tree of Wishes” is the third book in the Aru Shah series by Roshani Chokshi, and sees Aru Shah and her Pandava sisters set off to rescue two girls, one of whom is about to utter a prophecy that could mean the difference between victory and defeat in the coming war. And her … Continue reading Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes, by Roshani Chokshi
Brief (Spoiler-Free!) Synopsis “Song of Death” is the second book in the Aru Shah series by Roshani Chokshi, and sees young Aru Shah and her friends trying to prove their innocence after they are accused of stealing Kamadeva’s bow and arrow. She’ll have to work with two new companions, Aiden and Brynne, along with her … Continue reading Aru Shah and the Song of Death, by Roshani Chokshi
Brief (Spoiler-Free!) Synopsis “Wild Magic”, set in the world of Tortall, sees 13 year-old Daine attempting to flee from her past. She gets a job as an assistant to the horsemistress of the Queen’s Riders, encounters a number of strange creatures called Immortals, and begins to find answers as to who she really is… Content … Continue reading Wild Magic, by Tamora Pierce
Brief (Spoiler-Free!) Synopsis “Tristan Strong Keeps Punching” by Kwame Mbalia sees protagonist Tristan Strong facing off against his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all. Traveling up the Mississippi River, he encounters old friends and new foes in an effort to save his world from the forces of evil. Content Warnings: Death (Major Character Death), … Continue reading Tristan Strong Keeps Punching, by Kwame Mbalia
Brief (Spoiler-Free!) Synopsis “The Trials of Apollo” series, by Rick Riordan, finds the ancient Greek god Apollo in mortal form, having been transformed by his father Zeus as punishment for a number of transgressions. Now in the less-than-ideal human form of Lester Papadopoulos, he must work to uncover a vicious plot by the mysterious Triumvirate … Continue reading The Trials of Apollo, by Rick Riordan
Jacob Ryckman 