They Split the Party

Menchaca raises the stakes of his Glintchasers series in this rollicking sequel to They Met in a Tavern. The Starbreakers, a group of once legendary warriors—Phoenix, Angel, Snow, Brass, and Church—who fell into disgrace after inadvertently blowing up the city of Relgen, are called back into the political fold. The criminals and creatures they put behind bars in their heyday have escaped and the kingdom of Corsar needs the Starbreakers’ help to recapture them. As the team temporarily reunites for this new mission, they tackle old foes and internal demons, coming to terms with their fatal mistake and toying with the idea of a permanent comeback. Their enemies, however, have a plan of their own. Menchaca cleverly weaves character development into the high-octane action and though the worldbuilding feels a bit cramped, with limited mythology and an oddly compressed map, this is a minor quibble. Series fans and new readers alike will find plenty to enjoy. (July)