THE INCORRUPTIBLES

A hundred years in the future, an orphaned tailor’s apprentice joins the resistance to fight sorcerers who wield unchecked power over the former United States.

Fiora’s parents were killed by sorcerers, but she doesn’t believe that the resistance group known as the Incorruptibles are real until she meets one of them in person. After a fight against the Radiance, the “nameless, faceless group” that rules over the sorcerers, Captain Quinn whisks Fiora and her uncle Randal to safety, but Fiora begs to join Inc Academy and earns a place on a trial basis—until the results of her background check come in—to mixed reactions from her new squad, the Thistles. When problems begin plaguing the Incs, Fiora promises herself that she’ll find the spy in their midst. Readers will wonder, as Fiora does, who she can trust, even as she builds relationships with the other Thistles, and her understanding of the world becomes more nuanced as she questions long-held ideas. The sorcerers and Incs ultimately clash in a high-intensity, fast-paced action battle that forces Fiora into making a big decision and sets up for the sequel. Immersive worldbuilding, strong characters, and excellent pacing make for a breathless series opener with a big scope. Curly-haired Fiora is “tall and plump,” is attracted to girls, and has Jewish heritage. Other characters are diverse in skin tone, ability, sexuality, and gender identity.

A lightning blast of a futuristic fantasy.