An absorbing adventure with an emphasis on self-discovery.
In a moment of impulsive rebellion, Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on an unsupervised mission to a remote planet to prove himself and chase his destiny.
Sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan, newly risen to the rank of Padawan, couldn’t be more different from his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All Qui-Gon wants to do is meditate at the Jedi Temple. The harder Obi-Wan tries to follow his Master’s guidance, the more distant he feels from his purpose and the Force. He uncovers the opportunity of a real mission tracking down a forgotten planet and finally convinces Qui-Gon to investigate, but Obi-Wan’s Master never shows up for their planned departure. Driven by frustration and desperation, Obi-Wan steals the ship and sets out on his own. While the story may take place in a galaxy far, far away, Obi-Wan’s grappling with anxiety and belonging hit close to home. The band of young people he finds surviving on an apparently hostile planet challenge his original vision of playing their savior. Explorations of romantic feelings and sexuality emerge casually, as does the relationship between two nonhuman characters, Zae-Brii (who uses they/them pronouns) and Audj (who uses she/her). An unfolding mystery and present physical danger rev the story’s momentum through suspense. Obi-Wan, the only central human character, presents as White. This glimpse into the young life of a significant Star Wars character stands alone.
An absorbing adventure with an emphasis on self-discovery. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: July 26, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-368-02349-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
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
Frustratingly slow and lacking in magical wonder.
Despite living her happily-ever-after, Evangeline can’t help but strive to recover her lost memories in this trilogy closer.
Evangeline Fox awakens in the strong arms of Prince Apollo, her apparent husband, who swears to protect her from the evil Lord Jacks, who stole her memories. Unfortunately, Evangeline remembers nothing of her long and complex journey in the Magnificent North or her past romances; only the pain in her heart lets her know something is missing. At Wolf Hall, Evangeline seeks ways to unlock her missing memories, including enlisting the help of a mysterious guard named Archer, even as Apollo’s behavior becomes more and more controlling. The pacing and plot feel stagnant at first, with Evangeline remembering things in flashes and moments of brief feelings, but things finally pick up once her memories return. With the point of view rotating among Evangeline, Apollo, and Jacks, there are few narrative surprises, but it’s intriguing to delve into the minds of an antagonist and a Fate. The story’s inclusion of the legendary Valors and the fantastical fairy-tale setting are unfortunately overshadowed by the love triangle’s dramatic tug-of-war romance. Likewise, the book’s various themes—power, hope, stories, and the nature of humanity—are of interest but handled in an unfocused way. The conclusion, at least, is satisfying, and it hints at future tales set in this world. Evangeline, Jacks, and Archer read white; Apollo has dark hair and olive skin.
Frustratingly slow and lacking in magical wonder. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 24, 2023
ISBN: 9781250851208
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2023
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