![]() ![]() As with Above World, these new, genetically modified half animal/half human characters are fascinating and well formed, with varied cultures, customs, and beliefs. Instead of the sea and sky, however, this novel takes Aluna and her friends to the hot, dusty desert, to the ways of the horse-human Equians (and the snake-human Serpenti). The second book in the Above World series, Mirage is every bit as action-packed and grand as the first book. Aluna has the daunting task not only of saving her friend’s life, but also convincing the people of Shining Moon that Khan Onggur’s alliance with Karl Strand will only bring death and destruction to the Equians and all who live in Above World – she must convince the people of Shining Moon to challenge the High Khan at the upcoming Thunder Trials, and win power of all the herds to stop the Equians from going to war as Strand’s army.Īnd, as if things couldn’t be any worse, there’s also the problem of Aluna’s legs gradually fusing and changing into her Kampii tail – in the middle of the desert so far away from the ocean, with so many lives at stake depending on her and her strength in battle, this might be the most dangerous secret of all. Together, the unlikely group and Tayan head back to the Equians of Shining Moon – where Dash faces likely death. Luckily, Calli, Dash, Hoku, and Aluna are granted a temporary reprieve, when Tayan, emissary from the Shining Moon herd, intervenes and claims responsibility for Dash – for his appearance in Mirage is a violation of his Exile, and so by Herd law he must face punishment with his original tribe. Even worse, Scorch has an ax to grind with the Avians, and demands Calli’s blood for the bird-people’s murder of Scorch’s clone-siblings. They are too late to warn Dash’s people, and High Khan Onggur has allied with a human “upgrader” (that is, a technologically enhanced human/cyborg) who calls herself Scorch – another of Strand’s clones, who has manipulated her way into the High Khan’s favor. What the group finds at Mirage, however, is disheartening. Their greatest hope of warning the horse-people lies with the grand city of Mirage, home of the High Khan Onggur – a man of great honor, who rules not only over the Red Sky herd but all Equian lines. Battered and tired, the group makes their way to Dash’s people, the four-hooved Equians of the desert, to warn them of Karl Strand’s nefarious schemes for power. The battle of HydroTek is over, and the fierce Aluna and her friends Hoku, Calliope, and Dashiyn have emerged victorious over Karl Strand’s clones. If you have not read the first book in this series and wish to remain unspoiled, look away. **WARNING: This review contains unavoidable spoilers for Book 1, Above World. OF COURSE I was going to read it as quickly as possible! Imagine my delight, then, when Ana arrived with a copy of this beautiful, beautiful ARC. I actually mis-scheduled my review of Mirage – had I known this book came out in March, I would have bought it immediately. Why did I read this book: Are you freaking kidding me? I loved Above World, the first book in this fantastic new middle grade series. How did I get this book: ARC from the Publisherįormat (e- or p-): Print (Funny story – the US publisher sent a copy over to Ana in the UK, and then I waited for Ana to bring that copy back to the US for our annual BEA meetup.) Stand alone or series: Book 2 in the Above World series Here is the action-packed follow-up to Above World, which Kirkus Reviews called “a thrilling sci-fi adventure. ![]() But if they fail, the desert - and possibly all of the Above World - will be lost to Karl Strand forever. To have any chance of defeating Scorch and convincing the Equians to switch sides, the four friends must find a way to win the Trials. ![]() Any herd that refuses to join him by the time of the desert-wide competition known as the Thunder Trials will be destroyed. Now the Equian leader has vowed to take all his people to war as part of Strand’s army. ![]() When they arrive, Strand’s clone, Scorch, has gotten there first. Aluna, Hoku, and their friends - winged Calli and Equian exile Dash - race to the desert city of Mirage, intent on warning the Equians. But the maniacal Karl Strand is out to conquer the Above World, and the horselike Equians are next on his list. The desert is no place for ocean-dwelling Kampii like Aluna and Hoku, especially now that Aluna has secretly started growing her tail. Genre: Speculative Fiction, Dystopia, Middle GradeĪ thrilling sequel from an exciting new voice in middle-grade sci-fi tracks two ocean-born children braving the dangers of the Above World. ![]()
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