The Storm of Life

November 15, 2019
In this conclusion to an Italian-inspired fantasy duology, Teo di Sangro fights to save her home from invasion and to free other magic users from living in secrecy and oppression. War and domination under the Eterran empire advance on the land of Vinalia from the outside while the regime of power-hungry men wounds the people from the inside. Streghe (magic users of Vinalia), like the ambitious "sun-browned" Teo, live threatened by subjugation or death at the hands of the Capo, the tyrant forcing Vinalia to unify under his banner. Having escaped the Capo once, Teo and her lover, Cielo (a white genderfluid strega), seek to stop Vinalia's cycle of violence. In the midst of sizzling schemes and fiery romance, Capetta (The Lost Coast, 2019, etc.) brings to light the pervasive damage that patriarchy inflicts on people and relationships. Another important theme throughout the progression of the conflict is that in war, "there is only a side that loses less." The dialogue is witty and full of cutting exchanges. Although the story's pace never slows, Capetta continues to expand on the world around Teo, showing glimpses of cultures beyond Vinalia and how magic changes based on who uses it. Wild with thrilling shifts and electrifying prose, this passionate storm carries the story to a worthy end. A turbulent force driven by breathtaking, high-stakes suspense that resolves with a satisfying sigh. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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November 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 In the stirring conclusion to Capetta's romantic gender-fluid fantasy duet, begun in The Brilliant Death (2018), once-hunted streghe (magic wielders) band together with the remnants of the five families to save Vinalia from an invading army and unseat Vinalia's own villainous ruler, the Capo. Teodora and her lover, Cielo, both streghe with transformative magic, love each other regardless of their physical forms?both switch between boyish and girlish?but they have little time to enjoy their newfound passion. Teodora plans to unify the streghe, politically, as a sixth family, believing they can help the other families end the war and install a new ruler. Cielo chafes at the role Teodora wants them to play, though, wishing to pursue a more magical course. As their discord threatens their relationship, Teodora's sadistic brother Beniamo returns, bringing ruin in his wake. Alternating between steamy and bloody, romance and war, the novel focuses on Teodora and Cielo as they brave fears about their families, their relationship, their magic, and their self-worth. A highly satisfying conclusion to an original tale.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)