Nocturna

April 15, 2019
First in a trilogy, Motayne’s debut introduces Finn Voy, an orphaned thief who can magically alter her appearance, and Alfehr Reyes, the crown prince of Castallan, who can see and manipulate magical threads that bind the universe. After Alfie catches Finn trying to steal the royal family’s vanishing cloak to repay a vicious mob boss, he initially agrees to loan the cloak to her. Then his cousin, Luka, collapses suddenly after consuming poison intended for Alfie. Still reeling from his brother’s recent murder during a failed coup, Alfie releases an ancient evil that claims it can heal Luka. When chaos ensues, Alfie modifies his offer: Finn can have the cloak if she helps him stop the dark force from ushering in eternal night. This fantasy set in a Latinx kingdom explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the destructive potential of grief, and the redemptive power of love. Some characters lack depth, and murky world building muddies an already complex plot, but the stakes are high, Finn and Alfie’s reluctant attraction rings true, and a gratifying conclusion paves the way for book two. Ages 13–up. Agent: Alexandra Machinist and Hillary Jacobson, ICM Partners.

March 1, 2019
Crown Prince Alfie has unwittingly unleashed an evil god that must be recaptured before it destroys the kingdom of Castallan.Unable to come to terms with the death of his older brother, Prince Alfie has traveled the world, searching and failing to find magic that will bring Dez back. Back home, uncertain of his fitness to be the new crown prince and still trying to find the elusive magic, he meets Finn, a thief with a rough background, a sassy tongue, and the ability to change her facial features to resemble others'. When his cousin is poisoned, Alfie--an inexperienced bruxo--improbably releases a god that has been bound for centuries by the combined magic of the finest bruxos. Will the cousin be saved? Will the kingdom? Unless he is recaptured, the god of darkness, Sombra, will cast darkness over the world and bring about Nocturna. Debut author Motayne has created two likable and well-fleshed-out characters in Alfie and Finn but has failed to do the same for the world upon which the novel rests. Tequila, sangria, flan, and the peso are but crumbs standing in for worldbuilding. Other characters in the novel are as sketchily described as their world.An interesting premise, likable characters, and high adventure carry this novel, but it is difficult to see it becoming a trilogy without a backbone to hold it up. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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May 1, 2019

Gr 8 Up-After his brother Dez's murder, Prince Alfehr is poised to become king-something he fears almost as acutely as finding concrete proof that his brother is truly dead. Alfie left Castallan months ago to grieve and, he hopes, to find a way to bring his brother back from the void-even if it means using his bruxo magic to ill ends. Finn is a faceshifter who can change her appearance at will. It's a magical ability that serves her well as a thief. When their paths cross, Alfie and Finn accidentally unleash a dangerous ancient power that could destroy Castallan and the rest of the world. Together they will have to confront their failures and their greatest fears to contain this dark magic before it's too late. Motayne's debut novel is an epic fantasy set in a Latinx-inspired world with a unique magic system where moving shadows can reveal a person's feelings and spells will be immediately recognizable to Spanish speakers. Alternating chapters follow Alfie and Finn, giving nuance to their motivations and bad decisions. Alfie and Finn's relationship, which evolves over the course of the novel from a reluctant alliance to obvious respect and affection, helps fill the void left by world-building that remains thin even with the added dimension of Castallan trying to assert itself in the wake of generations of Englass colonial rule. VERDICT A promising debut with unique magic and two strong protagonists among a varied ensemble cast.-Emma Carbone, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kyla Garcia narrates this colorful Latinx-inspired fantasy. Finn, a face-shifting thief, isn't afraid to take risks to get what she needs. Reluctant prince Alfehr is still reeling from the sudden death of his older brother. They must join forces to defeat the powerful dark magic that was just accidentally unleashed in the kingdom of Castellan, overcoming their own demons to do so. Garcia does an excellent job narrating the world-building and magic, and she delivers the Spanish words throughout with expertise. However, her depictions of the main characters are too soft for the intense emotions they experience. It's difficult to empathize with their struggles when the tone of the narration is so relaxed. A.K.R. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

April 15, 2019
Grades 8-11 Finn Voy is a professional thief and faceshifter: she can look at another person's face and take on their exact features, assuming different identities in a matter of moments. With no family or ties, she roams freely from one city to the next, using her magic to keep herself fed and safe. Prince Alfehr is the reluctant heir to the Castallan throne after his beloved brother is murdered. Finn and Alfie meet at a deadly magical card game and find they can help each other. When Alfie learns there's a chance to bring his brother back to life using forbidden magic, he takes it?and disastrously releases an ancient power that can easily destroy the world. What makes Motayne's debut title singular and special is that her kingdom is Latinx, with brown-skinned, curly-haired people and Spanish sprinkled throughout. It's refreshing and wonderful to see a diverse fantasy world reflecting Latinx cultures. Cinematic, plentiful action as well as intriguing protagonists will pull in many a fantasy reader, and the richly detailed world will keep them reading.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)