Dream Magic

February 15, 2017
After the murder of her immediate family by a jealous uncle, 13-year-old Lady Lilith "Lily" Shadow of Gehenna's Castle Gloom was handed the reins of royal rule in Shadow Magic (2016). Having saved her kingdom by magically opening the barrier between the lands of the living and of the dead, she not only has a number of zombies to tend to, but also the critical concern of her court (female sorcery is strictly forbidden). Rejecting antiquated role restrictions, Lily continues to practice magic with the help of her father's ghost. Tutorials are interrupted when her unlikely comrade, 12-year-old pauper Thorn, brings word that something is afoot in the outlying villages--Gehennish citizens are missing or murdered. Is it trolls or something else? Apart from sexism, the apropos topic of xenophobia (albeit via zombies and trolls) is probed. Lily, Thorn, and a good deal of the court seem to be white and European-ish, but there are touches of the Far and Middle East. Lily's breeding and entitlement often surface; this could be an endearing flaw as she adjusts to her new role, but she stumbles into brattiness, making unrefined Thorn shine in the dual narrative. And though there's the go-girl empowerment of Lily's audacious practice of sorcery, a post-climactic decision is enough to make any burgeoning feminist wince. Gothic repast for connoisseurs of tenebrous tales, dark arts, and black eyeliner. (map, cast of characters, illustrations) (Fantasy. 9-13)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-The kingdom of Gehenna is in an uproar, and the people are blaming their queen, 13-year-old Lilith Shadow. She used magic, which is forbidden to women and girls, and now the zombies are leaving their graves, a troll army is on the way, and citizens are disappearing from their houses. All the major players are present in this welcome return visit to Castle Gloom, especially Lily's brave and resourceful friend Thorn. The two must find out the real reason for the chaos before it is too late. Unfortunately, one of their major allies, kingdom executioner (and Thorn's mentor) Tybalt, is missing and presumed dead. Unsure whether an ancient curse or something even more sinister is at play, Thorn sets out to defend Lily and her kingdom on the back of his giant bat, Hades. Appearing as a ghost and in dreams to both Lily and Thorn, Lily's father, Lord Shadow, provides critical guidance: "Imagination is the fuel of magic. Magic is an art like music or dancing. Sometimes the best way to learn is just by doing it." The real villains are identified, and a battle of wits, will, and daring rescues ensues, with not only lives at stake but also the future of all the kingdoms. This book stands well on its own, but familiarity with the first installment, Shadow Magic, will enhance enjoyment. Although Thorn and Lily are young people enmeshed in a very adult struggle, their voices and emotions ring true and are age appropriate. Occasional black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. VERDICT With loads of adventure, an intriguing mystery, and socially relevant touch points, this second entry is likely to circulate well where there are fans of the previous installment.-Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
It's not easy for a thirteen-year-old necromancer-queen to rule a shadow kingdom--especially when using magic is taboo for women, dead citizens are coming back as zombies, and the living are mysteriously disappearing--but feisty Lily does her best with the help of peasant friend Thorn. Gothic set pieces, humorous banter, action, and nasty villains keep the pace quick and the pages turning.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)