Ninth City Burning

July 18, 2016
Black is a fresh new voice who pays respect to the classics of SF in this enjoyable adventure debut. The mighty defenses of Ninth City stand together with the remaining cities on Earth to protect humankind in a centuries-long war against an alien race. Black takes care to represent each stratum of the war-focused Earth: advanced societies in the cities, outpost towns that exist only to supply the war effort, and the marginalized “unincorporated” people who live beyond the protection of the cities. And he creates memorable characters, including the powerful human fontani (who are few but vital to the magic/technology hybrid weapons) and a factory worker drafted into the Legion, to inhabit his thrilling scenarios. Though the array of protagonists slows the pacing and the exploration of the strategy and magic systems diverts too much attention from the main plot, the details eventually come together in a fascinating world. Given this strong foundation, readers can expect more thrilling adventures from this new author. Agent: Kirby Kim, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc.

July 1, 2016
After an alien invasion and near-instantaneous human extinction that unleashed a force called "thelemity," which "certain people can use to affect reality," most humans live in militarized zones under siege; but there are also warring, nomadic tribes from whose "coda" come two sisters, thelemity adepts, who tip the balance of power.Narrated by seven characters, Black's debut novel, the first in a new series, situates a future Earth in a parallel and "infinite web of worlds--the Realms" which, "drawn out as a map...look something like a tree," a shameless steal from Marvel's Thor. Unknown aliens, nicknamed "Romeo" or the "Valentines," arrived on Valentine's Day through the gateway called Lunar Veil to devastate Earth--why is never clear. The rare humans known as fontani, who produce thelemity, or revenni, "who can use thelemity to impose their will upon the world," fight back. After 500 years of battle, Earth's fate will be in the hands of the seven young narrators, who range from Jax, a 12-year-old military cadet and fontanus, to the easygoing Vinneas, Procurator of the Academy; from the Walker sisters, Rae and Naomi, to drafted soldier Torro; from "artifex" Kizabel--who speaks in footnotes--to elite fighter Imway. Peppered with both irritating incongruities--what happened to global warming? did it just go away? how can Romeo concoct long-gone human things like lobster bisque or television?--and with sly pop-culture references, this tediously militaristic potboiler is formulaic: the underdogs, through honor, strength, and thelemity, become heroes with a little help from their friends. Black borrows a long list of sci-fi/fantasy ingredients to cook up a Hunger Games/Star Wars remix featuring tweens trapped in an unmotivated war which will make them unlikely-but-relatable heroes.

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August 1, 2016

Generations after Earth has been attacked by an unknown alien force, the world is a different place. Most cities were instantly destroyed by the invaders using an element known as "thelemity," and human survival depends on a few who can wield this power as well. In the intervening centuries, those who use thelemity are sought and put into military service. But while the surviving cities lead the ongoing war efforts, the rural settlements resent being employed as a supply source of resources and soldiers. Two young sisters from the unincorporated wild country are dragged into the conflict. This intriguing debut falters under the weight of too many first-person points of view, some with dialog that is awkward in its efforts to replicate teenspeak. VERDICT While the melding of sf aliens and a reality-altering magic are unusual, thelemity seems too much like plot device superglue. [See Eric Norton's "Genre Spotlight" feature, p. 24ff.--Ed.]--MM

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2016
Fans of Ender, Harry Potter, Starship Troopers, and manga-style armored mobile suits will find Black's debut the perfect ticket to a fantastic new world. Earth has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for 500 years, fighting an alien race that uses an unstoppable destructive power called thelemity. When it was discovered that certain individuals had the same ability and could use it to defend the planet, everyone was encouraged to support the war effort, no matter their station or upbringingalthough some do not accept what they have been told. An elite military academy was established to prepare future soldiers, and at long last, humanity believes they may be winning. But, of course, the enemy changes strategy, and those training to defend the planetalong with others drafted unwillingly into serviceare suddenly facing a desperate last stand. It will be up to an unlikely band of novice warriors to come together and save the human race. This thrilling kickoff to an action-packed series will appeal to those who enjoy science fiction mixed with fantasy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)