Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 8

Welcome to this year’s second batch of young adult (YA) fiction! I’ve got a nice variety in this compilation. There’s a sci-fi/fantasy space opera, a fantasy/mythology origin story and a historical, murder mystery noir.

Bemused (Jan. 7, 2025) by Farrah Rochon.

<This is a standalone novel.>

They are the Muses, Goddesses of Arts and Proclaimers of Heroes. Except they aren’t. Not yet. Right now, Calliope (Calli), Clio, Melpomene (Mel), Terpsichore (Ree) and Thalia know themselves to be five mortal sisters and daughters of Mnemosyne. Their mom forbids them from performing in public without explanation. The teenagers are all gifted performers with no audience. This changes when Ree choreographs an amazing public performance that’s also disastrous. Mnemosyne declares that they must leave Krymmenos, but before they can, she is abducted. They now know she’s a goddess, but do not know that she’s the goddess of memory. Under Calli’s leadership, the sisters travel to Thebes to petition the gods, and Apollo and Hermes answer the call. Trouble is, they don’t recall their mother. Unbeknownst to all of them – the sisters and the two Greek gods – they are being thwarted by Hades and his imps, Pain and Panic. As they journey to try to save their mother, through mythical trials and tribulations and the Underworld itself, they realize their own unique gifts crafted in them by their mother and lean on the strength of their sisterhood, present even when tempers flare. These sisters five have never been zeroes, but they’re definitely on their way to being heroines. “And that’s the gospel truth!”

            A fresh-faced YA fantasy take on Greek mythology, this untold origin story of the five Muses from Disney’s Hercules is a terrific exploration of the Muses, female goddesses that are not as well-known as other Greek gods and goddesses. Told from the viewpoints of Calli, Ree, Mnemosyne and Hades, it is an adventure that’s harrowing and heartfelt, devoted and dramatic (that Hades and his temperamental, color-changing moods). Rochon is clearly skilled in creating characters with distinct personalities – I had no trouble distinguishing each of the sisters – and taking on fairy tale adaptations. Like the sisters’ quest, Rochon’s writing is thrilling. She balances well sisterhood and risky adventure like the bestselling author that she is.

The Muses (oldest to youngest):

Muse of Epic Poetry: Calliope

Muse of History: Clio

Muse of Tragedy: Melpomene

Muse of Dance: Terpsichore

Muse of Comedy: Thalia

Kill Her Twice (Apr. 23, 2024) by Stacey Lee.

<This is a standalone novel.>

The pride of Chinatown, the one who was able to leave and become a star of the silver screen, has returned ... in death. Lulu Wong is discovered by the two eldest Chow sisters in an abandoned stable where they prep their flowers before selling: May, the responsible eldest who was Lulu’s friend and classmate, and Gemma, the fiery middle sister with a knack for ideas that may or may not land her in hot water. Peony, the youngest, often feels left out when Gemma and, grudgingly, May, complete their own investigation into Lulu’s death. It’s 1932, and the LA police don’t appear committed to putting in any serious investigation. Chinatown already has a bad rap, because powerful, rich, white people want to demolish the neighborhood, citing that the Chinese are “by nature, drunken and slovenly,” and fill a neighborhood that’s full of crime and “many hideous perversions,” to make way for a railway depot (Union Station). When the LAPD arrests one of Chinatown’s own for the murder of Lulu, someone they know couldn’t hurt a fly, even May truly doubles down on investigating, going so far as to become (accidentally, on her part) a part of the film production Lulu had been cast in. Unfortunately, the actual killer remains on the loose. Will May and Gemma wind up in the killer’s crosshairs?

            Firstly, while this YA murder mystery noir is a work of fiction, Los Angeles’ Union Station truly does stand where Old Chinatown once stood. Told from the alternating viewpoints of May and Gemma, this twisty, historical novel is witty, intricate, immersive and captivating, exploring prejudice, corruption, grief and familial duty within a swiftly-moving story featuring star characters and a little Old Hollywood flair. There are no love triangles or angst-y teens to deal with in this riveting, historical page-turner. Amid the glitz and grime, there is sisterhood and unity despite discord. It’s another smartly written novel from Lee.

Moonstorm (June 4, 2024) by Yoon Ha Lee.

<This is the first novel in a trilogy.>

Hwajin. Hwa Young. Two names, same person. When Hwajin was 10 years old, Imperials of the Empire of New Joseon destroyed her home, a clanner moon in the Moonstorm called Carnelian, where starblooms flourish. She’s orphaned and is rescued by a lancer, a giant martial robot piloted by a lancer pilot. From that day forward, she yearns to be the best and the strongest in order to achieve lancer pilot status. When an attack at her boarding school finds Hwa Young (a ward of the state, she has no last name due to no family affiliation) and her classmates in need of rescue, her dream looks to become reality. Eleventh Fleet is in dire need of pilot candidates, but the tricky part is, the lancer chooses the pilot. Only one lancer in the fleet has singularity lance capabilities, giving it extraordinary combat potential, and it’s also the one that’s killed multiple pilot candidates in the past. Will Winter’s Axiom finally choose another pilot? Hwa Young has worked so hard to hide her clanner past. Uncovering a conspiracy may jeopardize that past and the Imperial empire she’s been so loyal to for the last six years.

            Trust the Empress. Unity is survival. Imperial vs. clanner words. This explosive YA trilogy starter is a sci-fi, space opera force to be reckoned with. A teen with a past pushes herself to excel in a society where conformity is valued above all else and loyalty to the Empress generates gravity (and can weaponize it). This story is high-concept and mecha with an all-Korean cast. It’s a good choice for readers who are too young to read Xiran Jay Zhao’s “Iron Widow.” Nonbinary characters use zie/zir pronouns. This adventure has a definite theme of colonialism in an unexpected setting (outer space) and revolution with intriguing characters, powerful world-building and action-packed battles. It is intricate and high-octane.

Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 14

I’m back with more middle-grade novels in this third compilation of 2024. In here, you’ll find Wonderland, Korean mythology and mischievous magpies.

Beyond the Isle of the Lost (May 7, 2024) by Melissa de la Cruz.

<This is the fifth novel in a series.>

You are unwelcome to Wonderland, where the Queen of Hearts hosts the un-parties of the year, and despite the scrumptious-looking sweets, no one can ever eat them. Treats are discouraged, especially cupcakes, and having fun is unacceptable. Birthdays remain illegal. There are so many ridiculous rules, and Red of Hearts, the Queen’s daughter, loathes the idea of following in her mom’s red-heeled footsteps. She’s heard that, in faraway Auradon, they get to do things like sing and laugh and run “around willy-nilly like little white rabbits.” Red is ready to perform the ultimate rebellion: throw an actual party! She’s gained two new friends in Chester and Ace, and they’re on-board with planning this rebellious party. What Red doesn’t know is that this party will set off a chain of un-events that will have unforeseen consequences.

            Falling down the rabbit hole to the land of Wonderland is madcap and enchanting in thrilling, equal measure. It has the fun, adventure, heart and humor that readers recognize throughout the entire Disney’s Descendants series with a new protagonist, new friendships and a familiar antagonist (“Off with their heads!”). It’s been five years since we’ve had a Descendants novel, and it’s an entertaining treat to read. It’s sweet fuel for my soul, as stylish as any dessert from Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs, with the tastefully dark vibes of Gideon’s Bakehouse.

            Book One: Isle of the Lost

            Book Two: Return to the Isle of the Lost

            Book Three: Rise of the Isle of the Lost

            Book Four: Escape from the Isle of the Lost

Fox Snare (Oct. 17, 2023) by Yoon Ha Lee.

<This is the final novel in a trilogy.>

Being the bearer of the Dragon Pearl carries duty and weight, which is how Min the fox spirit finds herself involved in a mission to cement peace between the Thousand Worlds (of which she’s a part of, growing up on Jinju) and the Sun Clans with her ghost brother, Jun, Sebin the tiger spirit and Haneul the dragon spirit. Min is surprised to meet Yang Miho, the Thousand Worlds assistant minister, as she is a fox spirit with a high-ranking title in a realm that doesn’t think highly of fox spirits. Despite wanting to feel a natural camaraderie with another fox spirit (and a nine-tailed one, at that!), she withholds her own fox heritage. After an explosion finds Min, Jun, Sebin and Haneul in an escape pod, they crash-land on Jasujeong, a planet claimed by both the Thousand Worlds and the Sun Clans. It’s also said to be the resting place of the Sejong-Dehwang, a dreadnought with superweapon capabilities that doesn’t exist on any current or recent battle cruisers, guarded by its ghosts. The planet is home to plants and creatures unfamiliar to the group, and Min carries the power to terraform Jasujeong with the Pearl. But journeying across Jasujeong is tricky, especially when Haneul falls ill. Someone else has landed on the planet, too, but the character’s goals might not actually align with Min’s, and that could prove dangerous, not just for her and the others stranded with her, but for the two nations.

            It turns out that Korean mythology melded with space opera science fiction is a brew that I never knew I’d enjoy until I read it, and I’ve now read the full trilogy. Lee’s world-building contains rich detail, dynamic characters and high-octane adventure that leads to a satisfying conclusion. The story alternates between Min’s and Sebin’s perspectives. The centuries-long conflict between the Thousand Worlds and the Sun Clans references the historical struggle between Korea and Japan in a boldly subtle way. It’s in the smart way that Lee blends science fiction with Korean culture and folklore that gives this cohesive trilogy complexity and, I hope, wide appeal amongst teens and sci-fi-loving adults.

            Book One: Dragon Pearl

            Book Two: Tiger Honor

Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters (Feb. 6, 2024) by Stacey Lee.

<This is the second novel in a duology.>

Thanks to Winston Chu, his older sister Philippa and his friends (Mav, Cassa, Bijal and Monroe), San Francisco has been saved from magpie-turned-human Mr. Pang. They should brush off their hands and enjoy teenager-hood. Right? Wrong. Now they’ve got to face an even bigger problem and not only because he’s the front-runner to be San Francisco’s next mayor. He’s magpie-turned-human Mr. Gu, and he’s Mr. Pang’s brother. Behind Mr. Gu’s sunny laugh and loudly-colored tropical shirts, he’s hiding something in the eerily-timed fog around Treasure Island, an island long-abandoned ... or so everyone thinks. There’s a mysterious flocking of exotic birds to San Fran that has no obvious explanation. It might have something to do with the CHUs (Community Hi-tech Units), but could they really be taking humans and turning them into Birdbrains? There is definitely something fowl going on. The mischievous mustache is back (when it wants to be), Philippa convinces Sir Huxbury, the suit of armor, to talk, there are magical Kaleido Beans, a Destiny Racket, a Mirth Ball and a Banana Mike (yes, that’s correct), and it turns out that they’re going to need Mr. Pang’s help to best his own brother.

            Lee wraps up her debut middle-grade duology with an action-packed novel that is part bildungsroman, part chaos-adventure, part magic, and all entertaining, inspired by Chinese mythology and featuring a racially diverse cast. Winston’s got a lot of big feelings – pride, anger and jealousy – and he needs to determine what type of son/brother/friend he wants to be, as the group tries to save San Francisco again. Those sorcerous magpies sure are troublemakers! This duology-closer is fun and fantastical, but readers will want to be familiar with the events of the Whimsies before diving into the Wingmeisters.

            Book One: Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies

Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 1

The amount of middle-grade (MG) novels that I’ve been consuming in recent years hasn’t slowed. To showcase this fact, here’s already the first MG compilation post of 2023. It’s also my first compilation post of this year.

Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting (Sept. 6, 2022) by Roseanne A. Brown.

*This is the first​ novel in a middle-grade debut series.*

Fireflies are dangerous. Not all, but some are actually adze​, shapeshifting vampires that can transform into fireflies and possess the human mind (and could then shift into that human and no other human would know it’s hosting an adze). No vampires of the sparkly variety in Ghanaian folklore. As the daughter of two of the best Slayers, 12-year-old Serwa Boateng is one of the best Slayers her age, but her parents won’t let her take the Initiation Test to become a fully fledged Slayer of the Abomofuo (“hunters in Twi¹. An organization dedicated to defending the world from the forces of black magic. Comprised of Slayers, Middle Men, and Okomfo.”). Slayers don’t only dispatch adze, but any creature of black magic. This includes obayifos (witches). One in particular, Boahinmaa, somehow breaches the magical barriers (which are formed using Adinkra, symbols that represent specific things and are often tied to proverbs). She and her parents escape, but narrowly. There is history between Boahinmaa and her mom, but neither her parents nor Boulder, her father’s mmoatia​ (forest spirit), will divulge any details of how they know one another. The gods (Nana Tegare: god of hunters, Nana Tano: god of war, Nana Bia: god of the bush) send Serwa’s parents on a mission to defeat Boahinmaa and Serwa assumes she’s going along as she always has. Instead, she winds up in Rocky Gorge, Maryland (a.k.a. Nowheresville) and its Rocky Gorge Middle School with her “Auntie” Latricia and “Cousin” Roxanne (not related by blood). She’s traded in Nokware (a sword) and her crossbow for a mean girl (Ashley) and schoolwork. Or has she? When an adze infiltrates her school, she knows it’s up to her and the GCC (Good Citizens Committee) to find who the adze has inhabited and defeat it. The GCC is an unlikely team in personalities alone, but Serwa, Roxy, Mateo, Eunju and Gavin - together with Boulder - are the only ones who can save Rocky Gorge. When Serwa uncovers a secret about her family, she’ll have to decide which side is her side.

            From tween hijinks to Serwa’s savvy narration blended with Ghanaian folklore (some of which may be familiar if one’s read the Tristan Strong​ series), this series starter is fast-paced, action-packed and serves a magical punch. This story gives readers a fresh take on vampires, which is good, because when I first read the title and saw Vampire Hunting, I had doubts. I thought, “Oh no, is this Van Helsing but as a middle-grade story?” Not at all, not even close! Brown’s story has deep layers striated with fantastical mythology and emotive characters, especially Serwa and her outburst at the story’s clearly-a-cliffhanger ending. While I don’t love the story like some of the others within the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, I am happy that I picked up this book and navigated obstacles, detention, adze-hunting, a major secret, family relationships and finding new friends with Serwa. Like middle school isn’t hard enough without firefly-slash-vampires and life-changing secrets!

            ¹: (chwee) a dialect of the Akan language spoken by millions of people in Ghana and around the world. Not to be confused with the first syllable in Twitter or Twilight.

            P.S. There is a glossary of Ghanaian words and pronunciations (love those glossaries) + an Adinkra dictionary (love that, too).

            P.P.S. For others who have read this story, I am curious to know your thoughts on the GCC consisting of students of color, implying and noted by their supervising teacher (also of color), Mr. Riley, that students of color are singled out for detention when Caucasian students are not. Do you read it as something that is relatable and current? Or do you think that sort of focus in a story perpetuates enmity and mistrust?

Tiger Honor (Jan. 4, 2022) by Yoon Ha Lee.

*This is a sequel ​ novel.*

*FYI: Sebin is nonbinary, so I will use they/them pronouns to refer to the character.*

What do you do when the one you look up to most is declared a traitor in the eyes of the Thousand World Space Forces? Sebin, a tiger spirit “cub” from the Juhwang Clan on the planet of Yonggi, plans to clear Uncle Hwan’s name, restoring the clan’s honor. And, like former Captain Hwan, Sebin wants to captain their own battle cruiser one day, though they know they’ll be expected to scrub floors and tend to the hydroponics as a cadet at the bottom of the totem pole. Sebin expects structure and maximum security, but things are off as soon as they arrive at Starbase Borasaekbam. Sebin and new cadet, Jee, are to report to the Haetae immediately, according to Special Investigator Yi and Yi’s assistant Kim Min. Sebin doesn’t have time to be sworn in by Captain Chaewon before an explosion rocks the ship. Communications are down. It’ll be up to Sebin, Yi, Min, Jee and two other cadets, Euna and Namkyu, to discover who’s sabotaging the cruiser.  But how is Sebin to help when they’re accused of colluding with the enemy and are put in the brig?

            Family loyalty vs. honor and duty. In this second space opera featuring Korean mythology, nonbinary tiger spirit Juhwang Sebin must decide where their loyalties lie: to family or the Space Forces, whose commitment to the latter supersedes all else, even family oaths sealed with blood. “Tiger Honor” is an engaging middle-grade story with fast pacing and twisty turns, an excellent choice for readers looking for sci-fi adventure. Readers of the first Thousand Worlds novel will recognize Kim Min. I have been on a mythology kick since I read Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,” so I’ve been gobbling up the varied stories within the Rick Riordan Presents​ imprint in addition to what Riordan writes. Women in positions of military power and the inclusion of nonbinary characters are commonplace. Multiple characters would’ve benefitted from further character development, but that shouldn’t stop anyone who’s drawn in by [Korean] mythology, space fights and journeying with a main character who’s faced with a family-versus-integrity dilemma. Considering how popular anything K-related has become – from k-pop to k-dramas to k-food – the combination of action-adventure and cultural elements should have wide appeal.

            Book One: Dragon Pearl

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy (Oct. 12, 2021) by Anne Ursu.

*This is a standalone novel (as far as I can tell).*

No one notices Marya Lupu, because her older brother, Luka, is destined to become a sorcerer. Where girls in the land of Illyria on the continent of Dovia are groomed to become wives and mothers, caregivers to younger siblings, maids, cooks or weavers, boys all hope they’ll become sorcerers, able to wield magic to protect Illyria from the Dread, the Ilvanians, the Kellians and the creatures of the Fantoma Forest, amongst other threats. It’s after a visit doesn’t go as expected that a letter arrives informing the Lupu family that Marya will attend Dragomir Academy, a school for wayward girls. Girls like Marya, who always seems to do the wrong thing even though it feels right at the time. They’ve got to learn the history of Dovia, of course, but they’re also taught how to sit, how to walk, how to eat soup and how to hold a fork. A pall descends on the Rose Hall girls when one receives a letter from her parents stating that they no longer consider her their daughter. She’s their only child. There is something about Dragomir Academy that Marya can’t quite put her finger on. How are all of these girls troubled? When the Dread wipes out the village of one of her classmates, more questions arise. Why were the sorcerers unable to track the Dread’s formation and evacuate all villagers? The Dread normally forms over a forest, but that wasn’t the case this time. What’s causing it to change and why? Why does magic purportedly manifest in males only?

            In the patriarchal Kingdom of Illyria, girls are of little consequence compared to the boys of the realm. Readers are frustrated right along with Marya as high-ranking men treat her words as frivolous or, worse, accuse her of being bewitched by a friend accused of being a witch. Marya’s character is a raw word picture of the emotional and psychological results of living in a patriarchal world, of a girl who isn’t, instead, a second son, and has a mother whom she can never please, a mother who’s all but given up on her. She carries so much guilt, shame and self-doubt, but this middle-grade novel is remarkable. The curious protagonist learns to question “who the story serves” while making friends for the first time. This is a novel that ensorcelled me with its thoughtful writing, skilled-tapestry world-building and intricately-woven plot. It’s a subtle fantasy novel, not big, loud and epic, but one that is empowering and generous. It’s an original story from an author who must have magic of her own, gifted storyteller that she is.

Rutabaga's Reads 2020: Part 3

Whenever I construct compilation posts, I save them under a nickname. This one had two nicknames. It’s my first middle-grade post of the year, but all three books are also from Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney-Hyperion Publishing. All of the stories within this imprint are mythology-based, though there is a good chance these mythologies may be unknown or slimly known by wider audiences (by this reader included). Considering they all have Rick Riordan’s approval, I have high expectations, and I was not disappointed.

Aru Shah and the End of Time (Mar. 27, 2018) by Roshani Chokshi.

*This is the first novel in a tetralogy.*

Truth-bender. A girl with an active imagination. In all honesty, 12-year-old Aru Shah is a liar, not out of a sense of meanness, but in a way that makes her life seem more prominent than it is. She boasts of things that are not, because she desires them to be. Aru and her mother, Dr. Krithika P. Shah, live in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta. Aru was always told she should never light the lamp, though she didn’t know why, so when she’s dared to light it, she does. In so doing, she awakes the Sleeper. Now, suddenly, she’s being berated by a very judgmental pigeon she christens Boo, and she has a soul-related sister (not blood-related) named Mini. It turns out that she and Mini are the reincarnations of two of the Pandava brothers (from the Mahabharata); there have never been Pandava sisters, and they are the soul-children of a major Hindu god. Those gods are: the Dharma Raja (the Lord of Death and Justice), Indra (the king of heaven, god of thunder and lightning), Vayu (god of the wind) and the Ashvins – Nasatya and Dasra (twin horsemen gods of medicine and healing who symbolize sunrise and sunset). They meet with Urvashi and Hanuman, members of the Council of Guardians (like a celestial board of directors). They are tasked with a quest to find the keys to the Kingdom of Death, which in turn will lead them to the celestial weapons. And they have to do all of this while preventing the Sleeper from getting the keys or the weapons. There’s also a time frame. Anywhere the Sleeper ventures, life is frozen in time (including Aru’s mom and Mini’s family). If they do not stop the Sleeper before the new moon (in nine days), they’ll be frozen forever. Saving the world from a forever freeze and death? Should be a cake walk, right? Ha. Ha. Ha.

            As soon as I began reading this story, I loved it. With Aru’s quick wit and sarcasm, this story reminds me of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series (which I also love), albeit with a female lead character and a different mythology. The first in the Pandava series, Chokshi strikes fast with a roaring adventure and plenty of mythology to make someone’s head spin (and it’s likely not even the tip of the iceberg). The writing crackles with magic and is bright like lightning, and Aru takes to the quest as gracefully as a bull loose in a china shop while wearing Spider-Man pajamas. This first in Chokshi’s middle-grade debut (she has also written YA) is an absorbing, high-octane, fun and funny novel that seems to effortlessly intertwine Hindu mythology, simultaneously teaching and entertaining readers as the story runs along. Despite my lack of Hindu mythology knowledge, I connected quickly with this story, which includes lessons on family and friendship. Before I was done with this book, I’d ordered the second and pre-ordered the third! This book is great for fans of Rick Riordan and anyone who enjoys mythological tales.

            P.S. That Palace of Illusions, I would adopt it.

Dragon Pearl (Jan. 15, 2019) by Yoon Ha Lee.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Young gumiho (fox spirit in Korean mythology) Kim Min is 13 years old and has attacked an investigator with a saucepan (Disney’s Rapunzel would be so proud of her). Lest she be sent away to a remote village on the already desolate planet of Jinju that they reside on, Min runs away. The investigator accused her older brother, Jun, of desertion from his service aboard the Pale Lightning in the Space Forces. Min knows that Jun would never desert, and she is determined to find him. After surviving an attack by mercenaries, Min finds herself aboard the Pale Lightning and uses her fox gift to assume the form of Bae Jang, a Space Forces cadet who died in the attack (she did get Ghost Jang’s permission to use his persona as long as she finds out who killed him), as well as her gift of Charm to convince others that Jang lived while Min died. She finds friendship in Jang’s friends: Haneul, a female dragon, and Sujin, a non-binary dokkaebi (Korean goblin folk).

            Min is told that Jun deserted to go in search of the legendary Dragon Pearl, a mystical object rumored to have such tremendous power as to build up or destroy entire worlds. In the right hands, the Dragon Pearl could terraform an entire planet … or finish terraforming a planet, say, like Jinju. In the wrong hands, well, picture the destruction for yourself. Min’s research aboard a ship impersonating a cadet on the fly brings her investigation to Captain Hwan’s office. She doesn’t want to cross him, predatory tiger form that he is, but he is hiding something major. What does he know? Where is he hiding Jun? Can sister and brother reunite to explore the Thousand Worlds together (there aren’t actually a thousand worlds)?

            When one envisions Korean mythology, one probably doesn’t think space odyssey, but it works marvelously in Lee’s capable mind. The universal appeal of this story isn’t solely because it takes place in space, but in that Lee makes Korean mythology accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the folklore. There is complexity in the diverse personalities of the characters and the struggles within, be it that they stem from family, magic (or lack thereof), duty to the Space Forces or loyalty to friends. The mythology, plot and overall narrative are woven so well, that I think this story would appeal to guys, gals and those who are non-binary. I also wouldn’t flag this as being for middle-grade students only; adults shouldn’t dismiss this story. With magic, deception, sabotage, mercenaries (pretty much space pirates) and vengeful ghosts tied together with dynamic characters and a propulsive storyline, this adventure will appeal to a wide audience.

The Storm Runner (Sept. 18, 2018) by J.C. Cervantes.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy.*

There is a Beast in Zane Obispo’s backyard. It’s a volcano in New Mexico. Despite his leg (one is shorter than the other), Zane has explored his volcano countless times with his trusty dog, Rosie, eventually finding a secret entrance to the volcano. He’s at his first day at Holy Ghost Catholic School, where he manages to get sent to the headmaster’s office before the day’s done, and he meets Brooks. It turns out Brooks is a nawal (shapeshifter), and she’s there to warn him of great danger and a legendary prophecy. All of that Mayan mythology Zane enjoys reading? Turns out it’s real, and Ah-Puch, the Mayan god of death, darkness and destruction, really is as terrible as the stories say and exudes a stench just as putrid. It turns out that there’s a reason for Zane’s short leg, and it goes back to his birthfather. Looks like Mom left out a major detail or two, like the fact that his dad isn’t human?! Being a godborn should come with amazing powers, right? But all Zane can tell is that he can see really well in the dark, Ms. Cab (real name: Antonia Caballero) is a Seer who makes a very cranky chicken and Mr. O (Ortiz), well, there’s nothing magical about him, but he’s a hot pepper connoisseur. (If it can decommission a god or a godborn, might it have magical properties?) Without alerting his mom to the threat against his life, Zane leaves town with Brooks and Uncle Hondo (it’s okay, Hondo and Zane left a note). They meet Jazz-E (not to be confused with rapper Jay-Z), a descendant of the great Maya giants (but he comes from much better stock than Sipakna) who’s friends with Brooks, a couple of egotistical, beauty-obsessed, power-greedy godborn twins (who go by Jordan and Bird) and some gods. The gods don’t all stink: to name a few, there are the creator gods Hurakan and Kukumatz/Kukuulkaan and Ixtab, the goddess/caretaker of people who were sacrificed or died a violent death (though Ixtab does wear a garment whose hem is lined with teeth). When an “idiot bonehead” releases Ah-Puch from his prison, can Zane find a way to kill Ah-Puch before the other gods reach him? Because if Zane doesn’t, he’ll either become a soldier of death (pleasant) or go to Xib’alb’a, the Maya underworld and land of darkness, upon his impending death (probably better than becoming the Stinking One’s death soldier).

            As the headliner in a trilogy, this adventurous storm packs a gargantuan punch (or maybe that’s Jazz when he finds out you’re a godborn). The characters are relatable; they have their perceived flaws, as we have ours, and they don’t always make smart choices, same as us. Our very basic knowledge of Mayan mythology alights with this tale, told truthfully by Zane, because the magical paper he wrote on made it so and was provided by Itzam-yée’ (can see the three planes like Heimdall can see the nine worlds in Norse mythology, except Itzam is a bird deity). “The Storm Runner” is thrilling, witty and immersed with a noxious villain and his repulsive underlings (beware the slime the demon runners secrete; it is poisonous and will do terrible things to your clothes and skin). While I didn’t love this telling as much as anything from Rick Riordan or Roshani Chokski’s Aru Shah series, I found the spirit of this story to be entertaining as well as informative. Additionally, as a godborn of Ixkakaw, the goddess of chocolate, I expect to have access to the finest chocolate at a thought. Also, the calories and fat content won’t count.