Witches Steeped in Gold

January 1, 2021
Grades 9-12 Jazmyne is the Aiycan doyenne's daughter, next in line to the throne for Alumbrar rule--if she can muster up the confidence to actually take the throne. Iraya Adair, despite being the sole survivor of the former royal family and the widely fabled "lost empress," isn't as concerned with ruling as she is avenging the Adair clan. Both have an undying allegiance to Aiyca--their families' histories are an entangled cycle of false pretenses and betrayal. But any ruler knows to keep enemies close, spurring them to join forces in the name of Aiyca. Inspired by Jamaican culture, this title can feel slow to warm as readers are introduced to the characters and back stories setting the stage for the impending, relentless action. The alternating voices of Jazmyne and Iraya create a suspense that is both energizing and irritating, as their once seemingly disparate lives draw close enough to reveal key strategies from all parties vying for Aiyca. Readers wound up by the fast-approaching climax might be disappointed by the abrupt ending, but no need to worry; the cliff-hanger only ensures a sequel.

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March 1, 2021

Gr 8 Up-Sorcery, spite, and superstitions: this Jamaican-inspired young adult fantasy novel is imbued with a dense magic system and, in the center of it all, two witches fighting a common enemy. Princess Jazmyne's mother all but wiped out prisoner Iraya's family, a former ruling faction on the island of Aicaya. While Ira seeks vengeance, Jazmyne herself realizes the unsettling cruelty of her mother and wishes to change the present way of ruling. Ira's calculating style may clash with Jaz's brash and at times impulsive ways, but they both aspire to have Aicaya under peaceful rule once again. Unfortunately for both of them, evil has a way of sifting to the top. The novel's worldbuilding operates on a Caribbean form of mythos called Obeah. The inclusive cast includes protagonists with silver-tinted Afros and bronzed skin being the norm. VERDICT A great choice for die-hard fantasy fans.-Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elem. Sch., Houston

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March 1, 2021
A Jamaican-inspired fantasy about a matriarchy maintained by magic and marred by manipulation. Jazmyne Cariot is a 17-year-old witch of the Alumbrar order and next in line to rule as doyenne of her island of Aiyca, though she has yet to inherit her magical powers. Iraya Adair is an 18-year-old Obeah witch and the rightful heir to the Aiycan throne, newly free after 10 years of imprisonment. Historical tensions position these two witches as enemies, both possessing plans to remove the current doyenne. Despite their differing motivations and instant antagonism upon meeting, their end goal is the same; in order to achieve it, they decide to form an alliance. In a world where power is as much about birthright and natural talent as it is about clever strategy, deception, and betrayal, these two witches soon learn that there is much they have yet to learn about their society, their kin, and their own selves. Smart's storytelling is comprehensive, often to the point of being verbose, and the pace sometimes suffers as a result. The intriguing plot and themes combined with multidimensional characters will, however, appeal to attentive readers who enjoy intricate prose and can appreciate the thoughtfully planned magic system upon which the story centers. The cast of characters is described as being various shades of brown, some with Afro-textured hair. A richly realized tale for patient readers who enjoy complex language and worldbuilding. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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