cover image Guardian

Guardian

Jo Anderton. FableCroft, $16.99 (368p) ISBN 978-0-9922844-4-2

The third Veiled World novel (following 2012's Suited) is a satisfying conclusion to the series, with some well-paced action enhanced by meticulous worldbuilding. Anderton continues building out her fascinating series, one in which the particles called "debris" can be magically controlled, and in which people themselves are often manipulated by forces they're unaware of. Following the devastation of the city of Movoc-under-Keeper, former architect Tanyana, now a debris collector, knows she has to fight the otherworldly beings she calls "puppet men" to save her world. She and fellow debris collector Kichlan also become aware of another world whose very existence threatens what remains of theirs. Anderton does lapse at times%E2%80%94there's a "surprising" character return that feels flatly expected%E2%80%94and a valiant attempt at an introductory exposition will do little to ease the way for new readers, though it serves well as a recap for returning ones. Fans of the first two books will enjoy following the series to its conclusion. (July)