Spiral Path

The third novel in Kimbriel’s Night Calls series—and the first since 1997’s Kindred Rites—brings back 13-year-old Alfreda “Allie” Sorensson, member of the thoroughly magical Schell family and inhabitant of the early-1800s northern American Midwest. Allie’s Aunt Marta took the girl and her wild magic under a mentoring wing, but Allie’s mother’s fear of magic has kept Allie from getting consistent tutoring. After Allie recovers from being kidnapped by sorcerers, she starts learning ritual magic at Windward Academy, her cousin Esme’s school in New York. Having already faced darkness early on, Allie’s struggles at first come from culture shock, fear of failing in school, and even press gangs—plus the occasional magical incident. Much of the book is almost pastoral, with Allie gradually making friends and learning new ways and spells, and readers will appreciate the chance to breathe before a climactic sequence where Allie is sent to ferret out a traitor to the young America. Much of this standalone story feels like the build-up to something big in Allie’s future, but fans of atmospheric fantasy may enjoy the total immersion in Kimbriel’s alternate early America. Agent: Jonathan Matson, Harold Matson Company. (Jan.)