Bound by Blood and Sand

October 10, 2016
Who owns water, and what if irrigation were controlled with magic? Allen’s lush debut mixes current, pressing questions with fantasy while exploring systematic injustice and historical oppression. In this alternate world, Jae is one of the Closest, a race bound by a curse to serve the Highest, the current ruling race, as slaves. The Highest placed the curse on the Closest after a war over the world’s water supply, but with a drought worsening every year, there are questions about the Highest’s efficacy. When Jae discovers a secret hidden in a defunct fountain built before the war, she gains the power to save—or destroy—the world. Allen unflinchingly portrays the abuse Jae has suffered, as well as her struggle to navigate her newfound power. Characters and stakes are clearly drawn, and fascinating touches in the worldbuilding deepen the story and show the thought the author has put into the setting. The balance between the harsh reality of Jae’s world and the beauty that could be is sharply defined, and readers will clamor for the sequel. Ages 14–up. Agent: Hannah Bowman, Liza Dawson Associates.

In this intriguing epic fantasy, the magic used to control limited resources eventually corrupts the social order as well.After their distant ancestors' attempt to seize the Well that nourishes the water-starved kingdom, the so-called Closest are eternally Cursed to obedient slavery. Now the Well is running dry, and the rulers command that distant estates be abandoned and their Closest left to die. But, astonishingly, one young Closest, Jae, has awoken the dormant magic that might be able to save the Well and the world--except she is more inclined to let everything burn. Debut author Allen has crafted a gripping narrative that explores complex questions of agency, the impossibility of remaining innocent in an unjust system, and how manipulating history enables the domination of the present. She does not shy away from depicting the corrosive effects of slavery upon every class or the graphic cruelty and abuse (including sexual) that result. Although everyone is described as variously "dark," the Closest's darker skin and curlier hair imply further racial stratification. Most of the characters' motivations avoid simplistic moral binaries, and wrathful, ruthless Jae, who uses her newfound power to punish and even kill without regret, is a particularly courageous choice for a heroine. While this volume comes to a satisfying (if bittersweet) conclusion, there is clearly--thankfully!--more to come. Ferocious and intelligent. (Fantasy. 14 & up) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Jae is a slave in a world where water is the most precious resource. If they don't replenish the Well soon, everyone on the planet could perish. Jae's small desert reservoir catches the eye of Lord Elan, who was sent by his father to evaluate the abandonment of her home. Just when she's about to give up, Jae unlocks an ancient magic that promises to save her family and friends, but she would also be saving those who have enslaved them for generations. Refreshingly, a romance doesn't develop between the main characters. There is quite a lot of animosity between them, but eventually they learn to trust each other. The teens are from two different castes: the Highest and the Closest. The Highest are in charge of the Well, where all the water on the planet comes from, and the Closest are those who were enslaved as punishment after a war over the Well that occurred long ago. In addition to examining slavery, this book also discusses sensitive subjects, such as rape and starvation. Most of the cast of characters, including the protagonist, are brown-skinned. However, the author can also be a bit repetitive in her themes, which often detracts from the power of the narrative. VERDICT An adequate first novel and series opener, especially for libraries looking for more diverse fantasies.-Kristin Anderson, Bloomingdale Public Library, IL

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