A Prayer for Vengeance

Schwartz, Leanne. A Prayer for Vengeance. 2023. 368p. ISBN 9781645678885.

Milo, an autistic orphan raised within Tresttato's devout temple, yearns for acceptance into its ranks, dedicating himself to tending the stone statues of ancient heroes. Centuries after a miracle supposedly vanquished the city's monsters and petrified its defenders, Milo's heartfelt poetry, intended as prayer, inadvertently awakens Gia, a cursed girl consumed by a thirst for revenge. To Milo's horror, Gia immediately sets her sights on Primo Sanct Ennio, the immortal holy leader whom Milo reveres and to whom he owes his very life.

Gia vehemently asserts that Ennio, far from being a savior, is the very man who betrayed her and transformed her into a statue, revealing that Milo's cherished "miracle" was, in fact, a devastating curse. Driven by an unwavering resolve, Gia is determined to break this curse at all costs, even if it means eliminating Ennio's followers and, disturbingly, even the boy who inadvertently freed her. Milo is thus thrust into a perilous conflict, forced to confront a shattered reality where his deepest beliefs are challenged by a vengeful truth.

A Prayer for Vengeance is a fantastic fantasy debut that immerses readers in a world of curses, beasts, and monsters, with a vengeful girl at its heart, driving a compelling narrative.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 21

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 21. 2018. 202p. ISBN 9781974703937. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Yukio continues to question himself and his origins, following the revelations in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 20. A massive demonic attack on Tokyo, visible to most of the population, causes casualties and signals the beginning of an unprecedented global surge in demonic activity. As the Knights of the True Cross and the Japanese government struggle to manage the widespread chaos, Lightning's relentless investigation into the Illuminati has put immense pressure on the Knights and, more specifically, on Yukio. This mounting tension pushes Yukio to his breaking point, prompting him to confront Mephisto, desperate for the truth about his and Rin's birth.

However, Mephisto, ever the enigmatic figure, continues to manipulate events from the shadows, seemingly pulling the strings of everyone involved. Despite Yukio's urgent need for answers, the complexities surrounding his and Rin's origins, combined with Mephisto's evasiveness, indicate that simple resolutions are unlikely. Yukio faces a stark choice. Join the Illuminati to gain more knowledge and perhaps receive some answers to the questions he's been asking, or remain with his friends and his brother. Yukio makes a shocking choice!

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 22.

Caprice of Fate

Bennett, Christopher L. Caprice of Fate. Book 1 of the Tangent Knights series. 2021. Audiobook.

In the technologically advanced arcology of New Avalon, 2046, Cory Kagami, a spirited college student, clashes with her powerful mother, Morgan Herrera. Morgan, the head of Catchfire Industries, effectively governs New Avalon through her technological dominance and political influence, advocating for a strong defense against threats from parallel Earths. She develops advanced armor and weaponry for her cyborg peacekeeping force, Fireforce, in a world grappling with the disruptive influx of new ideas and technologies.

When Cory inadvertently gains access to the most sophisticated armor system, Morgan sees an opportunity to reconnect with her daughter and mold her into a hero. However, Cory, influenced by her love for Japanese tokusatsu, possesses her own distinct vision of heroism, diverging from her mother's expectations. This divergence sets the stage for conflict as Cory's independent spirit and unique perspective challenge her mother's control and the established order of New Avalon.

Right Back at You

Mackler, Carolyn. Right Back at You. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781338734218.

Mason, a contemporary teenager living in New York City, is grappling with his parents' separation and bullying at school. He writes a personal letter to Albert Einstein as part of a class assignment. Frustrated, he impulsively throws the letter into his closet. The next day, he receives a reply, not from Einstein, but from Talia, a girl living in 1987. Talia faces her own set of challenges, including antisemitic bullying from her classmates, and feels betrayed by her supposed friends.

Talia, finding herself isolated and needing someone to confide in, discovers an unexpected connection with Mason, a boy from the future. Their correspondence becomes a lifeline for both of them, offering solace and understanding across the barriers of time. They form a unique bond, sharing their struggles and offering support, proving that even across decades, shared experiences of isolation and the need for connection can forge a powerful friendship.

Readers who enjoy time travel stories will appreciate the communication and support both Mason and Talia gain from becoming friends. 

 

How It All Ends

Hunsinger. Emma. How It All Ends. 2024. 304p ISBN 9780063158153. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

A seventh grade student in middle school, thirteen-year-old Tara is accustomed to living in her vibrant imagination. When she is abruptly promoted to 9th grade through a program designed to challenge high-performing students, Tara is thrown into the reality of high school. Though her older sister tries to prepare her, Tara finds herself unprepared for the social and emotional complexities of her new environment. She struggles with the mature content her classmates consume, the chaotic high school atmosphere, and the daunting prospect of changing for PE in front of others. Tara feels out of place, clinging to the familiar comfort of make-believe with her younger brother.

Amidst this upheaval, Tara encounters Libby, a classmate who introduces her to a new kind of connection and excitement. Tara is drawn to Libby, but she grapples with understanding and articulating her feelings. Libby is there for Tara, but Tara can't seem to avoid putting her foot in her mouth. How do you let someone know you like them without making a big deal of it?

How It All Ends captures the awkward yet endearing moments of adolescence, exploring the challenges of fitting in, navigating new friendships, and experiencing the first flushes of a crush. It accurately portrays the often overwhelming, yet thrilling, journey of self-discovery and growing up.

Friends Forever

Hale, Shannon and Leuyen Pham, illustrator. Friends Forever. Book 3 of the Friends series. 2021. 304p. ISBN 9781250317568. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following an eventful sixth grade year in Best Friends, Shannon, an eighth grader, is navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, where everything feels increasingly complex and ever-changing. She's struggling with the social pressures of her peers, who are beginning to date while she remains on the sidelines, and she constantly battles an underlying sense of unhappiness. Despite her efforts to appear cheerful, Shannon grapples with insecurities and undiagnosed depression, leading her to question if there's something fundamentally wrong with her.

Haunted by the fear of disappointing those who care about her, Shannon embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She questions her identity and seeks to understand who she truly wants to be, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. Through their relatable storytelling and heartfelt illustrations, the authors create a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a message of self-acceptance and reassurance that everyone is inherently worthy.

Unbranded

Wharton, Herb. Unbranded. 2000. 264p. ISBN 9780702265969.

Unbranded centers on the enduring forty-year friendship of three men: Sandy, a white man; Bindi, a Murri (Indigenous Australian); and Mulga, who shares familial ties with both Bindi and Sandy through his Murri mother and Irish father, respectively. The story follows the distinct yet intertwined journeys of these three friends through the mulga country of the far west. As the three friends age, their paths diverge: Sandy achieves considerable wealth and land ownership, Bindi dedicates himself to Indigenous land rights, and Mulga oscillates between the droving life and urban stints. In its latter sections, the book significantly explores the complexities of Aboriginal identity in a modernizing world, with Mulga's narrative voice occasionally becoming an overt conduit for the author's own perspectives.

Unbranded by Herb Wharton, a former cattle drover, offers a uniquely authentic novel exploring themes of friendship and brotherhood set against the backdrop of inland Australia's stock routes. Wharton presents a strikingly original vision of the outback, populated by a rollicking cast of characters including stockmen, shearers, barmaids, and tourists, moving from lively picnic races and the famous Mt. Isa rodeo to childhood experiences in the yumba and gritty outback pubs. A central argument presented is that adaptation to modernity, primarily through education, is crucial for Aboriginal survival. While acknowledging the historical injustices of white settlers profiting from the land through grazing and mining, the story expresses impatience with prolonged internal disputes among Indigenous groups or an excessive focus on land rights, suggesting a pragmatic approach to progress.