Wicked As You Wish

Starred review from January 13, 2020
Combining legends, myths, fairy tales, and classic children’s literature from Oz to Neverland, Chupeco (The Bone Witch) creates an enchanting story that is both a feast for the senses and a unique spin on the hero’s journey. Tala Warnock is a Makiling, a spellbreaker, living with her Scottish and Filipino family in the Royal States of America, where ICE hunts refugees from other magical lands. Tala’s best friend, Prince Alexei, is the hidden heir to Avalon, a world of advanced spelltech that is unbreachable after the Wonderland Wars against the Snow Queen. When Alex turns 18 and a firebird appears to guide him back to Avalon, Tala joins a gang of Banders sworn to protect him and fight the Snow Queen’s powers. As Tala learns more about her family and her own strengths, she discovers a fate in Avalon she never expected. Chupeco’s novel teems with exhilarating wizardry, from ice wolves to a marsh king in the form of a giant toad. Though the beginning is heavily weighted with background information, the pace quickens into a nail-biting quest that introduces a gripping new series. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Rees Literary Agency. (Mar.)■

A story combining realism and folklore is brought to life by narrator Cassie Simone. Prince Alexei of Avalon seeks to escape the terrors of his kingdom, which has been turned to ice by a spell. He hides out with Tala's family in a magic-free zone. The duo soon discover a legendary firebird who reignites their determination to come out of hiding and save the kingdom. Simone traverses the story's contemporary issues--racism, immigration, and xenophobia--with sensitivity. She convincingly distinguishes character voices, notably depicting Tala's parents. She also captures the diversity of the characters, illuminating their ethnicities, disabilities, sexual preferences, and family dynamics. J.O. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine