Fireborn

September 1, 2021
An unnamed warrior-child in training needs to defeat the inner demons that enrage her. Twelve is an acolyte of the Hunters, a group of warriors who sever all prior ties, give up their names, and fight the darkness. Despite her prowess in battle, she's friendless, prone to lashing out, and desperate to avoid thinking about her painful past. Her solitude ends when the Hunting Lodge is attacked by goblins--and worse. The only girl Twelve even remotely likes, the worst warrior of them all, is kidnapped, and Twelve hurls herself into the monstrous outer world to save her friend. But it seems she won't be going alone. She's joined by Dog, a massive stone beast, the irritable (and sometimes funny) fighter who guards the lodge. And soon they're also joined by Five and Six, the two most hateful boys among the huntlings. At least Twelve can lean on her squirrel friend, Widge, a gift from kidnapped Seven. The northern wilds are a frozen wasteland filled with terrifying monsters, and if the young warriors are to survive they'll have to learn to trust each other (and themselves). A few threads are left dangling for the next entry in the series. Late-discovered magic provides a deus ex machina in a quest that's otherwise about inner knowledge and cooperation. All the human characters appear to be White. Lovers of bloody fantasy epics will be glad to have another. (Fantasy. 10-13)

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November 24, 2021
Grades 5-8 Twelve gave up her identity and history when she arrived at the lodge to begin training as a Hunter, an elite warrior sworn to protect--and maintain peace between--the seven clans of Ember. The 13-year-old is an extraordinary fighter but less skilled at interpersonal relationships. Except for one curious, dreamy girl called Seven, Twelve avoids bonding with her fellow students and papers over traumatic memories with a prickly demeanor. An unexpected, magical assault on the grounds sees Seven snatched away by goblins with nefarious intentions, and when the grown-ups are too slow to respond, Twelve impulsively follows on a rescue mission. Former tormentors and a sentient stone dog appear as allies, and the motley crew has to unravel the mystery of the attack, free Seven, and learn to trust one another in the process. It's a gripping tale, packed with twisty reveals, spectacularly sinister creatures, elaborate backstories, and surprising humor to lighten the story. This tale of fighting and forgiveness, of revenge and adventure, is a beautiful reminder that there is always time to become the person you truly want to be.

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