Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Banks, Anna
6 Reviews
(3)
YA
In the compelling sequel to Nemesis, Princess Sepora (whose body produces an element that can either heal or destroy) is engaged to King Tarik for a strategic alliance, although she wishes their hearts aligned. Trust becomes a luxury as their kingdoms are threatened. Capricious royals, power struggles, and political scandals abound in the futuristic fantasyland with hints of ancient Egypt.
Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant
(3)
YA
Sepora and Tarik, a princess and new king (respectively) of neighboring kingdoms, cross paths after Sepora runs away, fleeing her father's plans to weaponize a valuable metal only she can create. The pair's growing relationship is tested by secrets and conflicting loyalties within the complex, well-developed futuristic fantasy landscape. Deftly paced shifts between perspectives sustain tension, and the (abrupt) ending hints at a sequel.
Reviewer: Claire E. Gross
(3)
YA
Love triumphs in this Romeo and Juliet–esque tale of Carly Vega, an impoverished Mexican American girl working night shifts to help her deported parents get back to America, and Arden Moss, the wealthy son of a racist sheriff. Carly's conflicted response to familial responsibility and the significance of her complex problems with United States immigration policy are convincingly wrought.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Emma and Galen's (Of Poseidon; Of Triton) discovery of a small town where Syrena (merpeople) and humans live peacefully and interbreed unsettles both the political and romantic alignments that they've come to depend on. Conspiracies, kidnappings, and confusion eventually give way to a diplomatic détente--and a wedding--as Banks's tale of an improbable (and impossibly perfect) romance comes to its conclusion.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Emma's (Of Poseidon) discovery that her mother, Nalia, is a Syrena (mermaid) and princess of Poseidon leads to adventures on land and sea as Nalia reunites with a long-lost love and Emma struggles with her status as Half-Breed. Banks's fantasy world is creatively imagined, but when Emma's powers are effortlessly revealed and she's rewarded in both worlds, the triumphal ending feels shallow.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(3)
YA
Emma discovers she has a strange power over sea creatures. Galen, a prince of the Syrena (mermen) has been sent to find such a girl to save his kingdom. With the sexual tension of Twilight, the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet, and a splash of Harry Potter, this high-action, humorous novel leaves enough unanswered questions to hint at a sequel.
Reviewer: Betsy Thomas
6 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.