Spin of Fate (The Fifth Realm #1)

Toranic Law determines which of the four hierarchal realms a person belongs in, based on the weight of their soul. As such, 16-year-old Aina has lived in Malin, the lowest of the realms populated by “souls steeped in sin,” since she was born, until she inexplicably ascends to the idyllic realm of Mayana. Dissatisfied with the decadence of her new home, Aina determines to return to her mother in Malin. When she’s invited to join the Balancers, a secretive group seeking to aid the inhabitants of the lower realms, she takes the opportunity to descend once more. Among the Balancers she meets Malin native Meizan, whose clan was all but shattered by the rise of a powerful warlord, and Mayana-born royal guard Aranel, who was tasked with infiltrating the Balancers by the powerful Preservation organization. The three form an uneasy friendship as they become embroiled in a complicated struggle for control of the entire cosmos. Debut author Vora’s trilogy opener is sprawling, energetic, and complex, featuring memorable characters, dynamic magical feats, and bizarre monsters. With a premise based on aspects of Japanese and Indian beliefs surrounding karma and philosophy, this is a wholly original and engaging adventure. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jonathan Cobb, HG Literary. (May)