A Kingdom of Shadows (Lightseekers #1)

Sensorial close-third-person narration and messaging about having faith propel this series-opening fantasy epic by Murphy (Splinters of Scarlet). Following an event known as the Great Betrayal 10 years ago, darkness has taken over the Kingdom of Wildfel, where light sources are weakening and becoming scarcer by the day. Orphaned 12-year-old street thief Finn, his 10-year-old sister Lydia, and his best friend Adrion dream of a more financially comfortable life away from the Bells, their canal-lined hometown. After a run-in with a local gang, the trio are saved by nomadic 17-year-old Ehrit and his companions, who enlist the youths in their search for the mythical Lake of Light, a reservoir of pure, liquid light, which Ehrit believes could restore balance to Wildfel. As the group embarks on a treacherous quest across the ever-darkening kingdom, dodging dangers both conventional and enchanted, Finn reevaluates his own goals and struggles to maintain his friendship with Adrion, who distrusts Ehrit’s enigmatic nature. Tales of trust, hope, and ambition weave together against a backdrop of fantastical creatures and mystical hazards to deliver a thoughtful, appealing story. Characters are described as having various skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agent: Pete Knapp, Park, Fine, & Brower Literary. (Mar.)