River of Spirits (The Underwild #1)

An action-packed journey through the Underworld centers grief and personal transformation in this fantasy adventure debut. Twelve-year-old Senka spends her days assisting Charon, the Ferryer of the Underworld, in guiding souls to their afterlives. When Poppy, a Living girl, arrives in search of her dead younger brother Joey, Senka decides to prove herself capable of doing the job on her own by leading Poppy back to the realm of the Living, or else risk Poppy’s losing her memories and life force. Before Senka can begin her task, however, both girls become lost in the wilderness of the Underworld, known as the Underwild. There, they must navigate memory-stealing kakodaimons, imprisoned gods, and a terrifying dragon chimaera that seems to be stalking Senka. The deeper they travel, the more secrets Senka uncovers—including some being kept from her by Charon himself. Targosz’s inventive setting proves a fertile backdrop for nuanced depictions of how loss can guide actions and shape memory. Employing a memorable cast that includes a cheerful psychopomp and a nonbinary shape-shifting fox child, Targosz touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and love, making for an exciting and promising series launch. Ages 8–12. Agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. (Mar.)