Freed by Flame and Storm

September 15, 2017
A former slave must choose between vengeance, mercy, and justice in the conclusion of the epic fantasy duology that began with Bound by Blood and Sand (2016).After much struggle and sacrifice, Jae mastered her elemental magic and ended the drought ravaging her desert realm. Now she and Elan, forswearing his once-exalted status, seek to destroy the Curse enslaving the Closest caste. But their newfound allies demand nothing less than overthrowing the rule of the Highest--including Elan's beloved sister Erra. Allen's return to this stark fantasy world tackles tough issues: power and privilege, order and freedom, trust and loyalty, the use and abuse of history. The clean, spare prose does not shy away from violence (including rape) intrinsic to the rigid social hierarchy, but it also portrays a culture without discrimination based on race (every character is variously "brown"), gender, or sexual orientation. Jae's character--bitter, grieving, weary, striving for compassion, but ferociously committed to freedom--dominates the narrative. Elan remains generous, supportive, and sensitive, especially to Jae's conflicted response to his romantic hopes. Honest and conscientious Erra may be the chief antagonist but is in no way a villain. Message never overwhelms story; as rising tensions, stakes, and casualties all hurtle toward a seemingly inevitable bloody catastrophe, only astonishing (and reciprocal) demonstrations of contrition and compromise permit a fragile but hopeful reconciliation to emerge. Much food for thought and discussion; but above all, a gripping read. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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October 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-In Bound by Blood and Sand, Jae unlocked the magic of her people, freed herself from an ancient curse, and set out on a journey to recover the ancient Well that her people helped create which was the source of all water on her planet. In this follow-up story, Jae is setting out to free her people from the same curse that she escaped in the previous volume. She travels to the capital cities with her companion Elan, who was disavowed by his own father after learning the truth that Jae's people, not his own, were responsible for crafting the Well. They are joined by a faction of free folk called the Order, who wish to see magic brought back to the world, and the ruling caste eliminated. After Jae succeeds in lifting the curse, several violent and bloody battles ensue. This story continues with an unflinchingly honest discussion of slavery and rape. The storytelling can be a little uneven; Allen writes some characters acting in ways counter to their personality in order to move the story along, then has them revert to their initial behavior. Despite the violence, there is a happy ending. VERDICT A satisfying sequel that wraps up tidily. Recommended for libraries where the first installment was popular.-Kristin Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 After discovering her inherent magic, Jae, a former slave in the Closest caste, broke free of the curse that oppressed and suppressed her people in Bound by Blood and Sand (2016). Now she must forge ahead with a dangerous plan to free her people, secure the kingdom's magical well, and defeat the nefarious Highest, who rule the world. With the help of members of the Order of the Elements, who work against the Highest, and former-Avowed Elan, Jae mounts a revolution. Being thrust into a position of power is uncomfortable for Jae, but she accepts that, despite her own shortcomings, she is the one person on whom thousands of people now rely. The beauty of this final entry of Allen's duology lies in the fact that though revolution means war, every lost Closest life decreases the magic binding the well. Grappling with this knowledge, Jae must carefully find a way to balance leadership with mercy. The action of this memorable story is fast and furious, its challenges many, and the fight for right ever-present.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)