Nocturna

First in a trilogy, Motayne’s debut introduces Finn Voy, an orphaned thief who can magically alter her appearance, and Alfehr Reyes, the crown prince of Castallan, who can see and manipulate magical threads that bind the universe. After Alfie catches Finn trying to steal the royal family’s vanishing cloak to repay a vicious mob boss, he initially agrees to loan the cloak to her. Then his cousin, Luka, collapses suddenly after consuming poison intended for Alfie. Still reeling from his brother’s recent murder during a failed coup, Alfie releases an ancient evil that claims it can heal Luka. When chaos ensues, Alfie modifies his offer: Finn can have the cloak if she helps him stop the dark force from ushering in eternal night. This fantasy set in a Latinx kingdom explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the destructive potential of grief, and the redemptive power of love. Some characters lack depth, and murky world building muddies an already complex plot, but the stakes are high, Finn and Alfie’s reluctant attraction rings true, and a gratifying conclusion paves the way for book two. Ages 13–up. [em]Agent: Alexandra Machinist and Hillary Jacobson, ICM Partners. (May) [/em]