Shimmer and Burn

Gr 9 Up—The city of Brindaigel is inescapable, and there are two fates for those who attempt to flee: either they are executed, or their minds are wiped and they become mindless slaves. However, Faris and her lover, Thaelan, are determined to take the risk. When Thaelan and Faris's younger sister are caught in the tunnels searching for a passageway out of the city, the girl is thrown into slavery and Thaelan is killed. While trying to leave the city and look for a cure for her sister, Faris encounters the ruthless Princess Bryn, who infects Faris with stolen magic that she must carry out of Brindaigel to the kingdom of Avinea in exchange for her sister's freedom. Faris reluctantly joins forces with Bryn, who schemes to overthrow her father and claim his throne for herself. But the world beyond the city walls is far more terrible and dangerous than they are prepared for. Magic is rare and addictive, and those craving it will stop at nothing to feed their hunger. Rescued from a band of addicts by North, a traveling magician who is much more than he appears to be, Princess Bryn and Faris join him and his apprentice as they traverse a perilous landscape to Avinea. While the premise of this author's debut novel is solid, the execution is shaky. An overabundance of underdeveloped minor actors results in confusion, and the main characters lack complexity. The book doesn't tie up neatly, which, along with its final sentence ("This fight is just beginning."), makes it clear that a sequel is forthcoming.