Firebrand

Starred review from March 15, 2017
Three months after the events of Steeplejack (2016), Anglet Sutonga investigates an elite social club to uncover the identity of a thief and traitor. But as she follows each clue, the Lani girl discovers that wealth, bigotry, and political power intersect to deplorable effect. Hartley creates a world so analogous to our own it hardly seems like a fantasy. Bar-Selehm is buckling under the rise of a far-right white supremacist political party, a refugee crisis, and the dispossessed poor struggling with too few jobs and too little political power. The unexpected strength of this book is its nuanced examination of whiteness. Beyond the calls for racial purity are the white women claiming to fear for their safety in the presence of brown and black people and part-Lani-but-passing Willinghouse, Anglet's complicated associate and a Member of Parliament, referring to refugees as -what- rather than -who.- Anglet has blossomed in this sequel, releasing her previously restrained sharp tongue and expanding her emotional range. Even as she learns to put on a neutral face to be a more effective spy, her empathy for those who are suffering and her relentless search for the truth are her most laudable attributes. Readers who come for the tightly plotted mystery will stay for the heroine who does all she can to resist. (Mystery/fantasy. 14-adult)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 6 Up-In this sequel to Steeplejack, Anglet Sutonga continues to work behind the scenes for politician Josiah Willinghouse. When plans are stolen for a weapon, Sutonga must infiltrate an exclusive social club, which requires her to learn new skills as a visiting dignitary and socialite, no easy feat for a former steeplejack who grew up impoverished and on the margins of society. Set in an alternative version of South Africa, Hartley's story succeeds in building a detailed world of both familiar (charging hippos) and unfamiliar (a precious mineral, luxorite, used by the rich) elements while also tackling a wide range of complicated social issues. This installment deftly addresses gender and racial politics and class issues with a light touch. Sutonga is well rounded and motivated by her ethics and morals without succumbing to standard genre tropes, and her lack of interest in romance is particularly refreshing. The supporting cast is diverse and well developed. Most impressive is the genre-blending; the author adeptly merges a political thriller with action, adventure, and mystery. VERDICT This sequel will have strong appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly those looking for complex novels that reflect a diverse world.-Amanda Foust, Consultant, Littleton, CO

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2017
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Nationalistic feelings continue to rise in the cosmopolitan city of Bar-Selehm, and former teen steeplejack Anglet Sutonga, who now works as a sort of secret agent for junior member of Parliament Josiah Willinghouse, finds herself following leads that involve weaponry, illegal immigrants, and high-ranking members of Bar-Selehm's ruling class. As Anglet digs deeper, she becomes hunted herself, and an unlikely yet familiar ally resurfaces at a key moment, saving her life. The well-crafted adventures of this feisty, diverse protagonist continue in this worthy sequel to Steeplejack (2016), evoking Sherlock Holmes with its Victorianesque setting, and James Bond in its espionage-laced plot. Anglet's first-person narrative lets readers live its excitement and danger vicariously, keeping them committed to her and the story as Hartley parses out clues, hints, and, eventually, connections. At times a scorecard would be handy for more clearly differentiating the various bad guys, but seasoned mystery fans will have no trouble following the plot twists and turns. Subplots concerned with the treatment of immigrants, class issues, and access to education connect easily to today's headlines and could provide a handy and interesting way into conversations with teens about these subjects. Hartley has composed another electrifying fantasy that buzzes with intrigue and timely political and social issues, making this a must-have addition to any collection.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)