Editorial Reviews

Blending the gritty imagery of The Dark Knight and the ominous edge of grimdark fiction, Swanblade: Year One by D.K. Kristof is an unflinching tale of legacy, power, and justice served. Since taking up her father’s legendary mantle as the vigilant protector of Radion Bay, Kayla McAllister has settled into her double life as Swanblade, but a vengeful harbinger of doom has been watching and waiting for his moment to strike. Dragged into the medieval brutality of a lawless battle for the city’s underworld, Kayla and her unlikely allies must face down a sinister foe willing to cut down anything in his path. In this unapologetically dark graphic novel, hard-edged noir fiction collides with top-shelf illustration in a creative, mixed-media layout that feels like its own genre. All told, this second installment improves on its predecessor with vividly realized action, an increasingly relatable hero, and an unpredictable array of plot twists.

A taut environmental thriller with a sprinkling of sci-fi and romance, Origami Dreams (Books of the Kindling Book 2) by Donna June Cooper positively buzzes with timely energy and captivating characters. Tasked with interviewing a reclusive bee expert about a looming disaster for ecosystem stability, Mel Noblett sees her chance to finally unmask a villainous powerhouse of Big Agro. However, her relentlessly handsome whistleblower has an even bigger secret – waking visions and prophetic dreams, foretellings in which Mel soon begins to appear. Steeped in surreal drama and very real ecological stakes, this is an unpredictable and riveting read for fans of romance, visionary science fiction, and environmental thrillers alike.

Based on the vicious power struggles of 15th-century Japan, Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura is a gripping and genre-bending work of grimdark fantasy. A bloodthirsty ronin and his merciless disciples are given a chance to reclaim their honor as samurai, only to become pawns in a brutal game of domination and deception. Laced with potent themes of leadership, the brutal unknown, and humanity’s penchant for self-destruction, Nakamura challenges every expected trope of hero, victim, and villain in historical fantasy. For readers who love immersive and gritty drama that dances sharply between sword-wielding fantasy and historical fiction, this novel is a masterful combination of both.

An emotionally charged work of YA fantasy centered on forgiveness, loyalty, and finding your sense of peace, The Era of Penumbra by Yona Katz is a stellar third installment in The Rise of Penumbra saga. Asha, Yusra, and Khalil find themselves deep in enemy territory, but allegiances begin to shift as the Star Chasers’ true intentions are revealed. Kadmiel’s heart is torn over the collapsing web of lies that has protected the two distinct sides of his life, and the connection he severed with Ranan, but telling the truth could cost him everything. Complex, artfully penned, with a satisfying dramatic arc for each character, the novel celebrates redemption, community, and the evergreen promise that a better world is possible, resulting in a stirring read for YA readers facing the existential growing pains of more complex challenges.

An endearing small-town romance with mystical charm, Catching Stars in a Jar by Donna June Cooper is a tale of legacy, love, and learning to embrace your truest self. Since she was a girl, Grace has heard the sacred song of Woodruff Mountain and felt the power of her lineage, but with her beloved grandfather gone and a disarming government agent scrutinizing her secrets, the good doctor is far from ready for the ancient trouble brewing beneath their feet. Unpredictable, immediately engaging, and perfectly balanced between genres, this skillfully plotted romantasy is laced with deep feeling and an enchanting layer of magic.