Marabel and the Book of Fate

Barrett (The Stepsister’s Tale) takes readers to the fantasy realm of Magikos in a series opener that pits fate against free will, touches on prejudice and patriarchy, and has fun with fairy tale tropes. Princess Marabel and her twin brother, Marco, are heirs to the throne, but Marco is the Chosen One described in the Book of Fate, “which told important Magikians what their futures held.” When Queen Mab, the siblings’ estranged aunt, captures Marco on the twins’ 13th birthday, Marabel becomes determined to rescue her brother, venturing into the Desolate Barrens that Mab rules, joined by her claustrophobic best friend and maid, Ellie, and a talking unicorn named Floriano. As they make unexpected friends with trolls and other creatures typically derided as “Evils,” Barrett highlights Marabel’s personal awakening, challenging beliefs she hadn’t thought to question. Heavy foreshadowing and a tidy conclusion keep the stakes modest, Barrett’s efforts to incorporate technology can feel forced (WizFi, etc.), and there’s not much character depth or development, but the story offers food for thought on an array of valuable topics. An Alloy Entertainment property. Ages 8–12. (Feb.) Correction: An earlier version of this review misstated the book's title.