Burn

February 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-This fantasy is a companion to Stray (HarperCollins, 2014), but stands alone. In this world, magic powers mean everything and only women have them. No one has more magical abilities than the evil Queen Josetta. Pitted against villainous Josetta is our heroine Elanor-a rebel warrior who has had to rely on her cunning and substantial physical prowess since her magic was forcefully taken from her by the wicked Queen. Elanor and the other rebels embark on a raid designed to weaken the Queen's army and, in the course of battle, become unwittingly burdened with a fatally wounded soldier named Matthias. As Matthias slowly recovers (through magical healing) at the rebel camp, Elanor tries to resist the mutual attraction she and the injured boy share. Instead, Elanor helps train Matthias to fight. A mission to invade the castle goes wrong, and a secret about Matthias is revealed, which changes everything. Once again, Sussman offers a fun, fast-paced adventurous fantasy with strong female characters, off-beat romance, well-portrayed LGBTQIA characters, and a delicious recipe-all of which tie in neatly to the story. There is resolution to Elanor's story at the conclusion, but clearly Sussman has more to write about this world. VERDICT Fantasy fans of Kristin Cashore and Rae Carson's books will devour this volume.-Tara Kehoe, New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, Trenton

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