Forbidden Mountain (Guardians #1)

Mull (the Fablehaven series) launches an enticing adventure about two magically gifted teens on a quest to save their home from sinister emerging forces. In the realm of Anora, citizens’ suspicions of corruption at the highest levels of the empire—aided by purportedly malevolent spirits called the Accursed—compel respected Anoran warmasters to strengthen their armies in preparation for potential civil war. Longing to become a warrior, 13-year-old foundling Mako endeavors to partner with one of the benevolent spiritual guides, called Advocates. Instead, he forges a strong yet taboo bond with Accursed spirit guide Narrix, who promises to assist Mako in achieving his warrior dreams. After Mako’s guardian-enhanced skills impresse the audience during a melee tournament, he’s sent to train at Anora Warmaster Rojan’s camp. Elsewhere, 14-year-old Arden joins Cat’s Paws, a local gang she believes is responsible for her best friend’s disappearance. When Martin, the group’s adult leader, exploits Arden’s ability to detect lies to help him commit crime, she flees. But Arden knows too much about Cat’s Paws’ movements, prompting Martin to give chase and jeopardizing Arden and her family. Rescued by Warmaster Rojan, to whom Arden’s mother was formerly employed, the family is offered refuge at Rojan’s camp, where the white-cued protagonists’ paths collide. Alongside action-heavy battle sequences, Arden and Mako’s arresting alternating narration propels the story as the characters confront questions of loyalty and ethics. Layered conflicts and worldbuilding provide a solid foundation, and a cliff-hanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the sequel. Ages 8–12. Agent: Simon Lipskar, Writers House. (Apr.)