Knights of the Borrowed Dark

An Irish orphan discovers his long-lost family, hidden powers, and secret destiny in this trilogy opener, which pokes gentle fun at (and embraces) tropes common to books of its kind. Upon turning 13, Denizen Hardwick is liberated from a dismal orphanage and brought to live with his formidable aunt Vivian, the leader of a small cadre of warriors who protect the world against otherworldly monsters. Discovering that he, too, can channel the power of the Tenebrae to perform magical feats (though at a physical cost, with the user’s body slowly turning to iron), Denizen strives to join the Knights of the Borrowed Dark, in part to learn more about his family history. This coincides with a major crisis, putting Denizen through a terrifying trial by fire. Even referencing the ubiquity of the story’s elements (“every time someone came to visit,” Denizen’s fellow well-read orphans “began packing their bags, ready for their new life as wizard, warrior, or prophesied king”) doesn’t stop it from being predictable. Where Rudden succeeds, in this solid debut, is with his engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and clever language. Ages 10–up. Agent: Clare Wallace, Darley Anderson. (Aug.)