Cast in Secrets and Shadow

June 1, 2021
In the sequel to Forged in Fire and Stars (2020), Loresmith Ara continues to seek out the gods so she can access the Loresmith Forge. Betrayed by Prince Eamon, Ara and her companions push onward. The hunt for the gods' sacred sites takes them across new landscapes--from tropical jungle to farmland to treacherous fens--and illustrates the urgency of stopping the Vokkans from devouring the world. Meanwhile, Liran and Eamon offer their views of ArchWizard Zenar through stories of treason, regrets, and atrocities. The at-times overwritten and purple prose, combined with a lengthy scavenger-hunt storyline, promises a long-haul series. In between bursts of action as the characters face their trials, the quest serves as a backdrop for psychological storylines. Some threads, like those of characters who are grappling with the complicated feelings of being betrayed by a loved one, are more successful than others, such as the interruption of Ara's increasingly steamy romance. Romance is a heavy focus, and there is a secondary romance between two women. Despite the emphasis on weapons, finding alternatives to violence when possible is a refreshing theme. Racial diversity is linked to fantasy-world geographical areas and doesn't seem to have real-world analogs; characters have a range of skin tones from light to dark. A world-expanding improvement on its predecessor. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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June 1, 2021
Grades 7-10 Having made her very first weapon at the gods' forge, Ara has proven herself and become the Loresmith, a job and purpose that allows for nothing else. She must guide the Loreknights--some of them her friends--to their correct places in the world, and there's no room for her personal feelings to get in the way. Meanwhile, traitor Eamon, brother to Princess Nimhea, is on the run, captured by enemy soldiers, sure that he can explain his betrayal to his sister, if he's only given the chance. But he may not be that lucky as he stands for judgement before Prince Zenar, the ArchWizard, who commands his fealty. This same ArchWizard now seeks to find Ara and control her new powers as the Loresmith, and her friends and Loreknights may not be able to help her when she needs them most. This steady follow-up to Forged in Fire and Stars (2020) expands the world building just enough to keep readers on the hook for more.

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September 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-When we last saw Ara, she had taken her rightful place in the Loresmith's forge, creating weapons imbued with the magic of the gods to be given to the future Loreknights of the fallen kingdom of Saetlund. This volume continues immediately after the conclusion of Forged in Fire and Stars, with Ara and her companions on a quest to find the hidden sites of the gods where they must complete dangerous trials that test their strengths and relationships. Robertson adeptly engages readers with characters that are relatable, flawed, and in some cases, frightening. Where the first installment was set at a slow pace with large amounts of setup and explanation, this book is paced and plotted well and will leave teens on the edge of their seats. Romance and relationship angst is in full force with Ara and her male companion, Teth, as well as with the princess Nimhea and her female summoner Lahvja. The sexually charged nature of Ara and Teth's budding relationship is innocent yet suggestive, making this story more appropriate for older teen audiences. The book ends with a shocking revelation that should set the series up for an exciting next installment. VERDICT Fans of the first "Loresmith" book will not be disappointed with this follow-up. Detailed worldbuilding, character development, and vivid storytelling makes this a worthy addition to all fantasy collections.-Erica Deb, Matawan Aberdeen P.L., NJ

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