To Steal a Throne

A teen magician contemplates vengeance in this empowering series opener from Burton (the Sing Me to Sleep duology). Most Virdei citizens believe the country is ruled by Virdeian-born men, and that all the republic’s magic users, or aikkari, have been conscripted into military service. In truth, some aikkari pull strings from the shadows: Luc, who leads Virdei’s council, is essentially a puppet for covert aikkari Mira, Luc’s half sister from neighboring nation Ophera. All aikkari have a source that fuels their magic; for Mira, that means receiving an influx of power when someone lies, knowledge she exploits to keep Luc in command via blackmail. Luc is poised for uncontested reelection as leader of the council until Opheran-born Kaidren inherits his Virdeian father’s seat and challenges Luc for the role. After Kaidren underestimates Mira—mistaking her first for a servant, then a naif—she vows to orchestrate his defeat. Knowing Luc doesn’t value her either, however, Mira resolves to help him win the council seat—and steal it for herself. Burton weaves an intricate plot that cleverly capitalizes on ingenious worldbuilding and lore to engineer exponentially increasing stakes and suspense. Mira’s engaging and ruthlessly determined first-person narration foments drive, while her and Kaidren’s antagonistic flirtation injects heart and heat. All characters have brown skin. Ages 14–up. Agent: Maddalena Cavaciuti, David Higham Assoc. (Apr.)