Dark Rise

July 12, 2021
Set in 1821 England, this queer fantasy series opener from Pacat (the Captive Prince trilogy) follows two teenagers—white Will Kempen and half-Indian, half-white Violet Ballard—who learn that successful trader Lord Simon Crenshaw and his acolytes intend to sacrifice them in a quest to resurrect the Dark King. Long ago, in the time of magic, the Dark King and his preternaturally strong Lions nearly conquered the world but were defeated by the good and powerful Lady and the Stewards of the Light. The Dark King swore to return one day and finish what he started—a process that, unbeknownst to most, is well underway. Queer orphan Will, whose mother descended from the Lady, and “boyish” illegitimate child Violet, who is descended from the Lions but whose father favors his legitimate son, seek sanctuary with the Stewards’ ancestors, who agree to train them for the coming war. Pacat uses fully fleshed-out, realistically flawed characters and a rich, if occasionally rote, mythology to explore issues of faith, fate, and free will. A key relationship develops off-page, undercutting the tale’s emotional heft, but abundant action and a profusion of plot twists fuel an adrenalized pace. Ages 14–up. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary.

July 15, 2021
A long-gone evil power threatens to once again rise and conquer all in its path. In 1821 London, teenage Will mingles among the crowds on the docks of the Thames. He's been on the run for months, ever since his mother was killed in their home. Finally, his pursuers catch up with him, and Will is taken in the name of the enigmatic Simon. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Violet wants nothing more than to join Simon's inner crew. While guarding the hold during an attack on one of Simon's boats, Violet discovers Will chained below deck. Afterward, the two find themselves under the protection of the Stewards, an ancient order whose sole mission is to prevent the very goal that Simon pursues--and both Will and Violet discover they have deep connections to this fight. What follows is a series of events that are by turns mystical, bewildering, hopeful, and terrifying. Pacat's writing is atmospheric and full of intriguing, complex characters. However, an overwhelming sense of uncertainty pervades the book, intensified by the rotating points of view as well as the withholding of some characters' major revelations until very late in the story. These factors leave readers in a state of perpetual unknowing, making it harder to connect with the story. The Stewards hail from all around the world; Will is White, and Violet is biracial, with a White English father and Indian mother. Classic good-versus-evil fare. (map) (Historical fantasy. 14-18)

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November 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-In this breakneck historical fantasy, Will is on the run after his mother is murdered in their home. He hides himself working the London docks, a plan that only holds for so long before he's kidnapped to be delivered to a mysterious man named Simon. Violet, a white and Indian girl who desperately wants to make a place for herself in Simon's inner circle, finds herself guarding the hold where Will is being locked away. As the world of the Stewards of Light and the Dark King's Lions are slowly revealed, Will and Violet will have to reckon with their place in a story centuries in the making. The Dark King promised he would return one day, and little do the Stewards know that his followers have that resurrection well underway-all they need is a sacrifice. While the worldbuilding is not the most inventive, it is organically grown, easy to follow, and populated with wonderfully three-dimensional characters. The shifting points of view and plot twists help maintain the novel's breakneck pace, but also means many relationships and reveals happen off-page. Pacat's writing paints an immersive 1821 London, but characters are her greatest strength. Will is white and bisexual, with both girl and boy love interests; his romance will have readers eagerly awaiting the sequel. VERDICT Good versus evil is the bread and butter of the fantasy genre, and this one is a great recommendation for anyone who enjoyed Cassandra Clare's historical Shadowhunters.-Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Lib., IL

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