(2) 4-6 Eight-year-old Duck, orphaned as an infant, is the youngest member of a gang of urchins called the Crowns, who forage and pickpocket and scam their way through Avilogne (think medieval France) to survive--barely. In the city of Odierne, the Crowns find temporary shelter in a crumbling, abandoned cathedral watched over by forgotten, brooding, sentient gargoyles, one of whom narrates interspersed chapters. Duck is reluctantly apprenticed to kindly, trusting baker Griselde, who is nearly blind, in order to carry out ruthless gang-leader Gnat's scheme to steal from Griselde on a regular basis. And we're off--into a riveting novel full of tension and action; sensory-rich scenes and settings; and vividly portrayed, believable characters. As the seasons progress, we experience with Duck her moral dilemmas (taking advantage of the generous but vulnerable Griselde feels wrong); crisis of identity as she is torn between being a loyal apprentice and serving the Crowns; growing attachment not just to Griselde but to the wider community to which she now belongs; a terrible, costly betrayal; and an ultimate rescue. There are revelations at the end (one involving the gargoyle narrator), but they're as nuanced as the rest of the novel. Eagar's themes never feel tacked on but instead are thoroughly kneaded into her characters and story.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) YA This formidable prequel to We Were Liars (rev. 5/14), focusing on the wealthy Sinclair family a generation before that novel's events, opens with a harsh truth, and a spoiler. Johnny, one of the cousins of the first book's protagonist, appears as a ghost to his mother, narrator Carrie, on the family's private island. With the promise to tell him "the worst thing [she] ever did" as a framing device, Carrie flashes back to reveal many of the dark secrets and lies she had helped to perpetuate over the years. In 1987 on the island, seventeen-year-old Carrie is deeply saddened about the drowning death of her youngest sister (the first ghost to appear to her); recovering from the surgery on which her father has insisted to correct her jawline; and beginning a protracted dependence on painkillers and sedatives. Carrie is swept off her feet by Pfeff, a charming, impulsive cad who betrays her in what she feels is the worst possible way. The violent consequences entail a massive cover-up that requires full utilization of the Sinclairs' good standing, privilege, and cunning. The engrossing narration, full of fairy-tale references and family mottos ("Never complain, never explain"), is neither reliable nor neatly wrapped up, but the novel is uncomfortably thought-provoking. The story (understandable on its own but richer when read after We Were Liars) asks readers to consider hard questions and is impossible to put down.

Reviewer: Luann Toth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

(2) YA Charlotte--a dreamy, tenacious eighteen-year-old from Seattle--thinks she has what it takes to become an author: largely, "the will and intention of an artist." When she's awarded a scholarship to attend a workshop in Venice led by her novelist idol, literary darling Luca Bruni, Charlotte jumps at the opportunity to develop her craft, make powerful connections, and research her ancestor, sixteenth-century Venetian poet Isabella di Angelo. Sumptuous descriptions bring the cityscape to life as Charlotte basks in both Venice's haunting beauty and (at least at first) Bruni's intoxicating presence; on the side, a cute local-history scholar helps her uncover more about Isabella's fate. Close narration keeps Charlotte's shifting feelings of wonder, enlightenment, and vulnerability at the forefront; the third-person perspective allows readers to see clearly what Charlotte cannot admit about her teacher's predatorily flirtatious behavior toward students. The tension breaks when Bruni turns his attention to Charlotte, and she must finally face the truth about him. The fallout from his advances shatters her literary fantasies and she quits the program, but a discovery about Isabella's history draws Charlotte back to Venice--on her own terms--for a quietly triumphant conclusion. Caletti (A Heart in a Body in the World, rev. 11/18; Girl, Unframed, rev. 9/20) weaves the lives of these two striving artists together with an expert hand, with chapter headers profiling dozens of real-life, little-known, subjugated female writers from Isabella's era, highlighting parallels in women's--especially female creative artists'--stories throughout history.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

(2) YA Folk of the Air series. Mortal Jude (The Cruel Prince), raised in the realm of Faerie and skilled at manipulation, resourcefully keeps her one-time nemesis Cardan's numerous rivals in check. The growing trust between Jude and Cardan blossoms into an unlikely romance and ultimately a clandestine marriage--but one final betrayal threatens to undo all of Jude's plans. The plot twists, turns, and dovetails perfectly with the assured character development; Black is a master storyteller.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) YA In LaFevers's alt-historical fifteenth-century Brittany, Sybella (from the His Fair Assassin trilogy), the trained assassin and daughter of Saint Mortain, becomes attendant to the Queen of France. Not far away, Genevieve, a novice from Saint Mortain's convent who had gone missing, is making the hazardous journey back to the French court. Alternating between Sybella's and Genevieve's voices, LaFevers maintains an intense pitch of intrigue, with murders, assaults, romance, and betrayals.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(4) YA In this sequel to Traitor's Kiss, Sage's decision to go behind Alex's back on a military adventure prevents a war but damages their relationship. As Sage's diplomatic skills and experiences deepen, misunderstandings and betrayals threaten both the future of their romance and the kingdom of Demora. Sage grows in this craftily plotted second installment, but Alex and supporting characters lack depth.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA After learning that her archaeologist father's death was faked by "crazy-pants cultists" hell-bent on resurrecting the Egyptian god of chaos, eighteen-year-old Memphis ("M") races to locate ancient artifacts to trade for her father's life. Smart and spunky, M jets around the world--and shares narration--with Ash Sood, a member of a rival cult. Mythology, religion, and magic broaden this international adventure novel.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 The series concludes in this sixth entry with code-cracking super-agent Ruby in search of a traitor within Spectrum's ranks. The familiar supporting cast is here to help, but another child spy may play an integral part in the mystery. Ruby is in top form, solving ingenious puzzles, performing impossible physical feats, and amassing clues to discover the solution. An exciting and satisfying finale for fans.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) 4-6 Erth Dragons series. The dragon Wearle holds human boy Ren captive, fearing Ren's new abilities now that he's been gifted with dragon powers. While friendly dragon Gabrial hopes to make peace with Ren's tribe, a stranger's plan to resurrect the dragons' ancient enemy could mean disaster for all. Blending mystery, action, and suspense, this worthy sequel to The Wearle will leave readers eager for more. Glos.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) YA After a mysterious fire killed all but one member of the wealthy Garrison family, suspicion fell on Pearl Haskins's father, caretaker of the Garrison mansion. This summer, Pearl is determined to clear her father's name and befriends the Maine vacation town's elite to investigate; complications arise when Pearl finds herself drawn to Tristan Garrison. French's compelling murder-mystery is stoked with glitzy intrigue and thrilling twists.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) YA When Mari enters the competition to survive the four magical season-themed rooms and marry the emperor-to-be, Prince Taro, she must hide that she is yōkai, one of the supernatural creatures whom the emperor treats as second class. Meanwhile, a yōkai rebellion is brewing. The Japanese-inspired setting of this political fantasy gives depth and texture to the fast-paced action, and the romance will melt hearts.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 In this modern, middle-school spin on Dickens's A Christmas Carol, thirteen-year-old mean-girl Ellie is visited by a ghost, who shows Ellie scenes from her life to inspire her to change her ways. Margolis first presents Ellie as a deplorable monster, then, in the heart-rending flashbacks, strips away her confidence and perfection to reveal a broken teen with whom readers will sympathize.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(2) YA Kestra Dallisor, daughter of the ruling class of Antora, is kidnapped by rebel Coracks and forced to betray her family by finding the mythological Olden Blade to kill evil usurper Lord Endrick. She's accompanied by childhood friend Simon (who splits narrative duties with her) and obstinate, mysterious Trina; obstacles threaten their lives, test their uneasy alliance, and reveal numerous secrets. Plot twists and turns make this fantasy trilogy-opener compelling reading.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(3) YA Lady-in-waiting Branwen's devotion to Princess Eseult and to their country, Iveriu, is tested when an enemy from Kernyv washes ashore. Blessed with magical healing, Branwen nurses Tristan back to health. When Branwen later finds herself betrayed, she makes a tragic choice. Pérez's lush reinterpretation of the Tristan and Iseult legend will devastate and delight romance fans. Includes notes on the source mythology and a glossary.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(2) YA In a city ruled by despotic elders who can see the future, four teens are condemned for breaking into the citadel. During an attempted escape, they meet their would-be executioner--who wants their help. Soria plays around with themes of prophecy, memory manipulation, and unstable trust, keeping readers off-balance with revelations of betrayal. The protagonists are bold and distinct, with welcome diversity regarding body shape and sexuality.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(2) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old narrator Yen, her siblings, and her mother live a difficult life in rural Vietnam just after the fall of Saigon. Following a devastating flood in their village, they escape Vietnam and experience a range of obstacles, from corrupt police to prejudice; aboard a refugee boat to Malaysia, they witness sickness, death, and piracy. The descriptive narrative is straightforward with a strong sense of immediacy. An afterword reveals the story's autobiographical roots. Glos.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(3) YA Zera is an immortal, unwilling, and irreverent servant to the witch Nightsinger, who keeps Zera's heart in a jar. Offered the opportunity to win her freedom in exchange for stealing (literally) the heart of Prince Lucien, Zera discovers there's more to Lucien--and the political factions of the kingdom--than she realized. This wittily narrated fantasy, first in a series, ends with a cliffhanger.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA In a brutal ancient Nordic–esque world, seventeen-year-old warrior Eelyn's brother is dead. Or so she thinks, until she finds him on the battlefield fighting for their clan's sworn enemies. Despite a somewhat formulaic plot--in which the two rival clans confront a common enemy and realize they are more alike than they are different--the visceral battles and touching family love make for an engaging historical fantasy.

Reviewer: Rachel Marsh

(4) YA The attempted assassination of Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta'an forces her to flee into space rather than avenge her family's death. Rhee's perspective alternates with Alyosha's, a black male refugee, soldier, and reality-show star framed for Rhee's supposed murder. Inter-planet manhunts and romance ensue. While this debut novel's characters are oversimplified, the premise and outer-space settings will engage fans of Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles.

Reviewer: Janet Daniels

(4) YA Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends--the tapestry of female relationships among the witches who populate this sequel (The Hawkweed Prophecy) also generates many rivalries. Alternating between current events and flashbacks to a generation earlier, Brignall concludes the story of witches Charlock and Betony, ripped apart years earlier but reunited by their respective children, Poppy and Leo. Tangled storytelling complicated by multiple viewpoints undermines the ambitious novel.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac