Caster

July 1, 2019
In a dystopian world broken apart by magic, Aza Wu struggles to unravel the mystery of her sister's death while fending off gangsters and dodging Scouts who hunt full-magic casters like herself. The rules of magic set up by Chapman (Hungry Hearts, 2019, etc.) come down to this: The more magic you use, the more magic you pull from the Earth, leaving behind a scar ranging from a buckled road to an earthquake that levels buildings. A full caster is limited by their level of control and the physical pain that follows a spell. Despite the dangers and the guilt she feels for damaging the world around her, Aza desperately casts magic for marks to pay off the family debt. This leads her to the underground Tournament of Casters, where she will risk her life for marks and answers. The main character identifies as Chinese, and though some racial and cultural discrimination is discussed, the story focuses more heavily on the haves and have-nots of magic and power. The pacing is fast and furious, upheld by the deadline Aza faces of a single week, which almost becomes a running joke. Some characters are ham-handed in their villainy, but most are genuine in their struggle to do what it takes to survive. A dark and, at times, vicious and violent story of will and questionable honor. (Dystopian fantasy. 13-17)

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July 26, 2019

Gr 6 Up-This stand-alone novel explores the dangerous and illegal nature of real magic. Aza Wu is aware of the threat, especially since casting killed her older sister, Shire, nearly a year ago. Now solely responsible for earning the money to pay off quasi-gangster Saint Willow, Aza must creatively earn marks and pay tribute so her family can keep its teahouse business in Lotusland. Two intertwined plots ensue. Soon Aza finds a secret invitation to an underground casting tournament, seemingly a fix for her financial woes, but it turns out not to be an easy answer. As the rules of this world dictate: real magic, real consequences. As Aza competes, she finds herself fighting for her life against some strong and dishonest opponents. Furthermore, Aza has questions about her sister's death and facts that just don't add up. When the police start to investigate, when tributes aren't paid, and when Aza is caught with fresh casting wounds, her deceit continues to grow, alarming her family and putting her whole future in jeopardy. The novel features uniquely detailed world-building with a compelling protagonist. VERDICT Readers are in for a spellbinding adventure with themes of duty, justice, revenge, and sacrifice. A magic-filled page-turner.-Linsey Milillo, Lane Public Library, Fairfield, OH

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* The world is falling apart. Real magic, rare and potent, drains energy from the earth every time a spell is cast, leaving behind charred land, frozen oceans, and smog heavy in the air. Aza is secretly a full caster, but she hides her powers, pretending to be someone who can only do small, leftover magic. She's trying desperately to pay her family's debt to sector boss Saint Willow before goons come to bust up her home and torture her family. Stuck in the shadow of her now-dead sister, Shire, Aza has one week left until Saint Willow's people come for her parents. When a note left by an old tutor leads her to an underground magic-fighting ring, she realizes she has the chance, the power, and the skill to get out from under Saint Willow's thumb?possibly for good. The fighting ring leads to more questions still, as well as more danger. Could learning the secrets of magic and the truth behind her sister's death be worth it all? Chapman (Along the Indigo, 2018) has created compelling young adult novels before, but this is a cut above; the fully realized and atmospheric dystopia is crafted at a level not seen often. This stunning fantasy will fly off the shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)