Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

Information

Goodreads: The Manifestor Prophecy
Series: Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2023

Official Summary

It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.

All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of…to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.

Review

I love Angie Thomas’ work, so was excited to see her move into middle-grade fantasy (one of my favorite age ranges and genres!). Like many YA authors, however, she seems to have found the transition a little bumpier than expected. While The Manifestor Prophecy is a solid read and will likely please the tween crowd–especially those who love mythology- and folklore-inspired series–it does not quite seem up to Thomas’ typical level. The characters seem more one-dimensional than is typical for her work, and the book does not particularly stand out from similar titles such as Amari and the Night Brothers or The Marvellers. Still, fans can afford to be picky since Thomas’ standards are usually so high. The target audience will probably care less and simply go along for a magical ride with Nic and her friends.

It is difficult for me to pinpoint exactly why The Manifestor Prophecy feels a bit off, or more forgettable than similar titles, but I think perhaps it is the transition to fantasy that proved difficult. The book takes inspiration from Black history and folklore, and even the Bible, and that is all fantastic. Folklore-inspired tales are definitely trending in this age category, and this book brings another perspective and culture to the market. Still, the worldbuilding does not feel especially cohesive or immersive. But this is something that very well may change as the series continues and Thomas gains more experience with a new genre.

Characters are often where Thomas really shines, and she tries once more to bring a certain complexity to them here–but I think only to some and not always successfully. Nic and her neighbor/friend seem particularly one-dimensional; most of the complexity centers around her father. But his actions and his backstory feel a bit…weird to me. Almost like they do not really make sense, but, hey, they provide drama for the storyline. As for the rest of the characters–we are told a lot about them, but not necessarily shown. For instance, I never really got best friend vibes from Nic and her best friend. I am still puzzling out some of the other characters, who sometimes explain themselves out loud or describe other characters so readers can learn about their personalities–but again, it is often told and not shown.

I appreciate that Thomas is clearly trying to do a twist on the Chosen One theme here by showing how shouldering the expectations of others can affect a person. And I enjoyed the incorporation of Black history and folklore. I do think, though, that the series is still trying to find its feet. The sequel might feel more polished than this first installment.

And Break the Pretty Kings by Lena Jeong (ARC Review)

Information

Goodreads: And Break the Pretty Kings
Series: None (yet?)
Age Category: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Publication Date: June 20, 2023

Official Summary

A crown princess. A monster the gods fear. A destiny no one can outrun.

Inspired by Korean history and myths, this rich and evocative high-stakes fantasy is perfect for fans of Gallant and Six Crimson Cranes.

Mirae was meant to save her queendom, but the ceremony before her coronation ends in terror and death, unlocking a strange new power within her and foretelling the return of a monster even the gods fear. Amid the chaos, Mirae’s beloved older brother is taken–threatening the peninsula’s already tenuous truce.

Desperate to save her brother and defeat this ancient enemy before the queendom is beset by war, Mirae sets out on a journey with an unlikely group of companions while her unpredictable magic gives her terrifying visions of a future she must stop at any cost.

Review

And Break the Pretty Kings has a lot of potential, with its headstrong protagonist, high-stakes plot, and complex world building. Unfortunately, there is simply so much going on in the book, from the characters’ backstories to the country’s history to the ever-changing plot and predictions and multitude of attempted plot twists that the main emotion I experienced while reading was confusion. I don’t know what to say, besides that a more heavy-handed developmental editor might have been able to draw out the gem of the story that’s clearly at the heart of this, but that didn’t happen.

Jeong gives a good attempt at world building, but the way the information is imparted isn’t always clear. There are times the protagonist alludes to things about history or politics or religion that are just hints of what’s going on, but it’s not until later in the novel that a full explanation is given, leaving readers to kind of guess and fill in the blanks in the meantime. And then there’s the fact that things keep changing. Some of this, I believe, is because the protagonist is supposed to be wrong about some things. So, for instance, she starts the novel talking about the apparently obvious gods-given destiny of her family to “unite the peninsula,” and it isn’t until later readers get a fuller picture that this might be wrong and maybe not even ordained by the gods. (But maybe it IS ordained by the gods. As I said, it’s not clear!)

The author also attempts to add some suspense and plot twists, but to me it just makes everything more crazy and confusing. One gets the idea there’s a love interest. But wait, maybe it’s another guy. Or possibly a third guy. And there there . . . isn’t actually a romance in the book at all. Just hints that the protagonist will have a love interest in her future. One of three guys, maybe. The same thing happens with the villain. One guy’s the villain, then he’s not? Or maybe he is? This stuff didn’t really “keep me on my toes” or keep me engaged; it just seemed wild because something I and the protagonist believed was true changed page by page. There wasn’t enough build-up between the changes.

Finally, I’m not sure about the magic. There’s a whole magic system developed, which seems fine overall. The weird part is that the protagonist is supposed to have legendary, unparalleled magic, the type of powers predicted by the gods to be the great salvation or the great downfall of a nation, something no one has seen before that everyone should fear! The reality is a letdown. the protagonist only uses the power a handful of times, and it’s not really a *magic* or an action, in some sense. There’s no way to predict what using her power will result it. It’s an interesting idea, but not really impressive in the way the author seems to have intended.

The book is fine. I think a lot of people will love it. I was largely confused and not really invested. The ending strongly implies there will be a sequel, though I haven’t seen any information about that yet. I, for one, will not be reading it.

Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel by Robert Beatty, Illustrated by Braden Sherrell, Adapted by Michael Moreci

Information

Goodreads: Serafina and the Black Cloak
Series: Serafina #1
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2023

Summary

Serafina lives hidden in the basement of the Biltmore Estate along with her pa.  He says the rich folk who live above must never know she exists.  But then one night Serafina witnesses the Man in the Black Cloak kidnap a child.  And soon the children of Biltmore are disappearing one by one.  Along with her new friend Braeden, Serafina must find a way to stop a deadly evil before it’s too late.

Review

Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel expertly adapts the novel of the same name, capturing the creepy feel with both words and pictures. Indeed, if there is any flaw, it is that the adaptation perhaps follows the original a bit too much; the amount of narration included with the images is unusually large. Even so, I think tween readers will enjoy the book, and maybe even be inspired to check out the original series.

By nature, graphic novels often seem to move more swiftly than prose novels and this can, for me at least, sometimes lessen the emotional impact. I am not the type of reader who lingers over the illustrations (though I know others do); instead, I tend to focus on the text, and that makes comic books fly by. In this way, Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel did seem a wee bit less haunting to me than the original. I had not the time to dwell on the horror and the fear of the Man in the Black Cloak. And, well, I already knew what was going to happen since I’d read the original. So I was not surprised by the twist, or really worried for Serafina. But, I can still appreciate the adaptation for what it is.

And I do think it is an effective adaptation. With graphic novels being so trendy right now, sometimes it does seem like everything is being adapted or that graphic novels are being published that are not particularly remarkable. But this one is fun. It has an intriguing premise, a sympathetic and bold protagonist, a dollop of mystery, and a sprinkling of danger. It seems faithful to the original and it has illustrations that are both appealing and appropriately creepy. I can easily see the intended audience enjoying it.

Pick this one up if you enjoy haunting tales, spooky mysteries, and tales of friendship. It is a fast read, but a fun one.

The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr (ARC Review)

Information

Goodreads: The Book of Stolen Dreams
Series: The Book of Stolen Dreams #1
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Received from publisher
Published: 2021

Summary

Rachel and Robert Klein have grown up under the shadow of Charles Malstain–a tyrant who hates children, inhibits free speech, and makes his political enemies disappear. But when their father asks them to hide a rare book, The Book of Stolen Dreams, the two do not hesitate. Not even when their father is dragged away to a labor camp. And, soon, they are on a dangerous adventure to uncover the mysteries behind the book, and get their father back.

Review

The Book of Stolen Dreams is an enchanting read full of wonder, mystery, and danger. The stakes here are high, and often all too familiar, with the villain Charles Malstain mirroring many real-life tyrants. But though death, torture, and imprisonment always hover in the background of the story, not all is dark. David Farr highlights the acts of goodness, and leaves readers feeling like they, too, can make a difference, if only they are brave and true. The Book of Stolen Dreams will make a welcome addition to the shelf of any fan of middle-grade fantasy.

At first, I feared the book might a little too quirky, even for me (and I love quirky middle-grade books). Men with penguins on their heads simply did seem to fit the tone of the story, which begins with a warning that the reader is in danger for even opening the covers of the book. In 2023, with book bans on an unprecedented rise in the U.S., this is no idle flight of imagination, but an eerie echo of the number of bills under consideration that could criminalize librarians for checking out certain books. So, the kind of cutesy introduction almost lost me. But not for long.

Once the story picks up, it never slows down. Rachel Klein and her brother Robert undertake a fantastic journey to save a book (The Book of Stolen Dreams) their father warns them will soon mysteriously disappear–thanks to President Charles Malstain, who has also shortened library hours, dictated what can and cannot be taught in schools, and prohibited other books. (Again, sound familiar?) Even without knowing the secret behind the book, the Kleins implicitly understand the importance of words, and the freedom that can come from them. Without hesitation, they do all their father asks–saving the book and endangering their own lives in the process. But that is not enough. Soon, Robert is involved in an underground resistance movement and Rachel embarked on a journey to uncover the reason everyone seems to be looking for The Book of Stolen Dreams.

The Book of Stolen Dreams is a magical tale centered on the importance of following one’s moral compass, standing by one’s friends and family, and doing the right thing even when it is dangerous. Though at times the topics touched upon are serious and dark, the book itself feels full of light. And when difficult times face us in our own lives, it is just such books as these that we need, to remind us of who we are–people who are capable of extraordinary acts of goodness.

*The sequel to The Book of Stolen Dreams, The Secret of the Blood-Red Key, is currently listed for publication on August 30, 2023.

The Snowcat Prince by Dina Norlund

Information

Goodreads: The Snowcat Prince
Series: None
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2023

Summary

Syv is the youngest of seven brothers, each of whom has the possibility of being chosen to rule after the death of their father. But Syv’s brothers are jealous of his popularity with their people, so they send him on a mission from which they expect him never to return. Syv must find the legendary crown of the Eldking, an artefact said to possess the power to restore their land. But if he betrays his honor and his family along the way, he will bear instead three stripes of shame–and not be welcomed back.

Review

The Snowcat Prince has a lot of potential to appeal to young readers with its vibrant hues and its Disney-like illustration style. Plus, the protagonist is an adorable snow cat! One with magical powers! As an older reader, I found that sometimes the plot points were not always well explained and characterization was minimal. I know enough tweens, however, that I expect these will not be sticking points with most of the intended audience.

To be frank, not much about the book stands out or feels truly memorable. The basic premise is a familiar one–a younger sibling is overlooked by older ones, goes on a quest no one expects him to achieve, and comes back in triumph to show he was always the worthiest of them all. For me, I need something a little more to make it special–lovable characters, or lots of drama and excitement. Something to make it feel unique. I did not quite get it here. But again, the target audience may not care. Being the youngest or the littlest and being overlooked, but coming out on top will likely resonate with many young readers, and that will be enough.

What I enjoyed most was the images. While I did not always follow what was happening in scenes involving magic or fighting, I do love vibrantly-colored comics, as well as ones that have a sort of “cute” drawing style. The Snowcat Prince provides all that! Different species/lands also get their own color palette, making it easy for readers to follow along on the journey.

The Snowcat Prince is a solid, enjoyable fantasy comic for middle grade readers. While I do not see myself ever rereading this one, I do think it a pleasant way to spend an hour or two reading. I also think tween readers will be more excited about it than I am.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

Information

Goodreads: Tress of the Emerald Sea
Series: Secret Project #1
Age Category: Adult
Source: Purchased
Published: 2023

Official Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe shared by The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn with a new standalone novel for everyone who loved The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?

Review

There are certain hallmarks I’ve come to expect from Sanderson’s adult fantasy books, including complex plots with surprising endings and exquisitely detailed world building. Tress of the Emerald Sea has the world building but steps out of the mold with a more straightforward plot; there were a couple twists throughout, but overall the heroine’s journey was straightforward and I predicted the end. The result is more of a fairy tale vibe, which Sanderson confirms he was going for in an Author’s Note at the end. And that makes it a really nice, pleasant read.

I loved reading about heroine Tress, who is an ordinary girl who discovers she can do some pretty extraordinary things when her loved ones are in danger. One of the book’s themes is definitely, to take a quote from Tolkien, that “even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” The narrator makes a point of saying this explicitly, just in case the reader has missed it, talking about how ordinary people can rise to the occasion and that heroes are often motivated to do great deeds, not for king or country or any abstract concept, but simply to help their friends.

And while the narrator occasionally does make interesting observations (and some, frankly, I think are a bit obvious), the narrative voice is one of the main drawbacks of this book for me. Sanderson says in the Author’s Note that it’s “whimsical.” I didn’t sense whimsy. I sensed the narrator thinks himself clever and/or funny, and that’s one of my biggest pet peeves in literature. I never think these characters are as clever or funny as they do themselves (or as the author apparently does). I more or less had to ignore the voice of this book in order to focus on the story and try to enjoy it, and I am not looking forward to the prospect of Sanderson doing more works in this voice. It also, interestingly, added to the book’s predictability, as the narrator seems to like telling the reader things that are going to happen later in the book, for whatever reason.

I also am on the fence about Sanderon’s more obviously starting to tie all his Cosmere books together. First, while I consider myself a Sanderson fan, I’m not an obsessive fan; I often forget things I’ve read in his other books, and reading his stuff is starting to require the same kind of work that watching a Marvel movie does. I have to Google things and find wikis explaining all the references to me, if I want to get them. Now, one doesn’t HAVE to have read any of other Sanderson’s works to read Tress, but there are clear references to other books and characters from them.

The tying together of the books also means there’s some technology in Tress that feels out of place. One moment you’re in Sanderson’s richly imagined world of semi-magic spores where the latest technology seems to be a musket, and the next moment there’s a character from another planet with a laptop. Or a character wearing clothes that are clearly from Earth and not Tress’s world. It’s ok, but it does jolt one out of the fairy tale feel of the story.

I did like the book overall though. Tress is a great character to watch. I enjoyed learning more about the dangerous spores in her world and the surprising ways Tress could begin to use them once she stopped being afraid. The secondary characters are also fantastic, and I became attached to many of them. Reading about intrigue and maneuvers to outsmart each other is also great fun.

So, while this story feels a bit different from Sanderson’s other work, it’s still strong. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any fantasy fan. And while it’s adult, I think it has some YA crossover appeal, as well.

Cursed by Marissa Meyer (Briana’s Review)

INFORMATION

Goodreads: Cursed
Series: Gilded #2
Age Category: Young Adult
Source: Purchased
Published: 2022

OFFICIAL SUMMARY

Before the Endless Moon, when the Erlking means to capture one of the seven gods and make a wish to return his lover, Perchta, from the underworld, Serilda and Gild attempt to break the curses that tether their spirits to Adalheid’s haunted castle. But it soon becomes clear that the Erlking’s hunger for vengeance won’t be satisfied with a single wish, and his true intentions have the power to alter the mortal realm forever. Serilda and Gild must try to thwart his wicked plans, all while solving the mystery of Gild’s forgotten name, freeing the ghosts kept in servitude to the dark ones, and trying to protect their unborn child.

Romance, danger, and Serilda’s journey to find her power as a woman, a mother, and a storyteller make this reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin one that Meyer fans—old and new—will treasure.

REVIEW

Spoilers for Gilded!

An exciting and atmospheric read, Cursed is a flawless sequel to Gilded. Meyer left readers on a bit of cliffhanger at the end of book one, and Cursed picks up and keeps thing moving at a steady pace. Meyer is one of my favorite YA fantasy authors, as she delivers solid book after solid book, and this is no exception.

The characters are rounded out here, and readers can see more of what makes each of them tick. Gild starts to envision more of his past and who he might have been. Serilda begins to grow into her role as a potential queen, even as she mourns the loss of her loved ones. And the reader might even find themselves with a shred of sympathy for the villains, even as they are clearly inhuman and seem to revel in cruelty.

The one thing I didn’t love about Cursed is that there aren’t a lot of wins for Serilda and her friends. This isn’t a flaw in the book, of course, but personally I would have loved a bit of light, to see a few things turn out as our protagonists hope or plan! The constant triumph of darkness made the book a bit of bummer to read at times; I definitely had to be in the right headspace.

I also continue to be confused at the designation of this duology as YA. I think it’s quite the thing many teen readers would like, so no problem there, but some of the concerns seem more adult. Serilda, as one will know having read Gilded, spends much of this book pregnant, for instance. And, you know, preparing for her wedding and being married. Not the usual teen fare. I did laugh a bit at Serilda’s complaints she wasn’t experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, like fatigue or aching feet or vomiting. So I suppose I see some teen realism in that naïveté and her belief she would really love to experience those things.

Cursed is, nonetheless, a fabulous read, and if you enjoyed Gilded, you will certainly want to pick up this, as well.

Read Krysta’s review of Cursed here.

The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

Information

Goodreads: The Guardian Test
Series: Legends of Lotus Island
Age Category: Lower Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2023

Summary

Plum has been chosen to train at the prestigious Guardian Academy on Lotus island, where trainees learn to transform into animal form. Using their powers, they dedicate themselves to protecting the plant and animal life of their world. But, before all that, Plum has to pass the first test. And she is not sure she is ready.

Review

The Guardian Test hits all the right notes for a lower middle grade fantasy adventure. Readers quickly get introduced to the protagonist Plum, a seemingly normal girl who clearly has special powers, even if she does not yet know it. Plum anchors the narrative with her relatability–her insecurity about belonging with elite Guardians and her drama with classmates who disparage her lower-class background–even as she introduces readers to a world rife with drama and mystery. The quick pacing and short length make The Guardian Test a smart choice for readers transitioning from chapter books to middle grade.

Something about The Guardian Test immediately smells like commercial success to me. It is the way the book reminds me of some sort of blend of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Pokemon, and introduces elements and tropes that are perennially appealing to young readers. Plum seems like a regular girl, but is clearly some sort of Chosen One with a mysterious background (courtesy of her dead mother). And she lives in a world where individuals can take on animal forms to engage in fights to conserve the environment (though, like Aang, they only fight in defense and prefer to meditate and heal). The cool factor here is very high.

And the book paces itself well, choosing to focus only on Plum’s passing the first test to remain training as a Guardian. This means the story hits all the right beats to keep things moving apace–mysterious temple, emerging villain, hints of fights to come–while still maintaining a short length that will attract newly independent readers. In many stories, this entire book would have comprised just the first half, but Christina Soontornvat clearly knows the market is lacking in shorter reads and expertly steps into that gap.

The Guardian Test is designed to enchant young readers and introduce them to a marvelous new world, where they can ponder questions about their own identity, talents, and strengths along with Plum and her friends. It seems like a sure winner for younger fans of fantasy series, ones who are leaving chapter books behind but are not quite ready for upper middle grade fare.

*Read Briana’s review of The Guardian Test.

Elidor by Alan Garner

Information

Goodreads: Elidor
Series: None
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 1965

Summary

One day, Roland, Helen, Nicholas and David pass through to the magical land of Elidor, where a few still seek to save the dying land. To do so, the four children must guard the four Treasures of Elidor. But, when they return to their own world, it soon becomes clear that they are being pursued.

Review

Children’s fantasy has changed significantly over the years, and reading Elidor shows just how much. Detailed worldbuilding and characterization seem of no import here; atmosphere, thematic considerations of light and dark, and allusions to myth and legend matter much more. Though I enjoyed the feeling of going back in time to an era when fantasy felt so different, I admit I have difficulty imagining the average child today enjoying this story, accustomed as modern audiences are to fast-paced action and simpler prose.

Quite simply, Elidor seems the type of book to divide opinions immensely. Readers who enjoy books rooted in myth and folklore (such as The Dark Is Rising sequence) and who do not mind sparse plots (as in the Narnia books) will find much to like here. Alec Garner masterfully creates a book full of what I can only call atmosphere. The characters move through a fantasy world comprised mostly of images and full of references they do not know and never understand. They feel instinctively that they must defend the light of Elidor and protect its treasures. They do not ever learn why Elidor fell or where it is going, or who is fighting or how. None of that matters. What matters is how they respond. Whether they pass the test. Themes of personal conviction and courage rise to the front in a book that often seems to be “about” nothing in particular, unless that something is how individuals choose to act in a world that does not always seem to support the good and worthy.

Readers who enjoy more modern fare, however, are likely to be disappointed. Elidor as a fantasy world is never fully explored–and neither is its seemingly lone hero, whom Roland loves almost inexplicably, considering how little he knows the man. The four children who find their way into Elidor have limited personalities, and act almost interchangeably, aside from Roland’s continued belief in Elidor as his siblings’ belief fades. The plot is brief, and certainly not episodic or action packed, as is common now. And there is no actual ending.

I understand why many readers remain enchanted with Elidor. It seems almost a more realistic version of Narnia, with the child protagonists entering a fantasy world, but having to learn to navigate their own world once they return. Their world, too, seems a bit more mundane, a bit more middle-class, and perhaps thus a bit more relatable to many. Still, before recommending this title, I would really need to know what other types of a books a reader likes. It is so different from what is published now, I think it would really be a bit of shock (and probably a bit of a bore) to the average tween.

Fae and the Moon by Catherine Saturn, Sarah Satrun, Franco

Information

Goodreads: Fae and the Moon
Series: None (Yet)
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2023

Summary

Fae’s mother is missing, but Fae believes she is still out there, somewhere. Hoping to convince her mother to return home, Fae takes the moon out of the sky. But the moon has kept evil creatures at bay, and now that the moon has disappeared, many want its power. Fae will have to uncover old secrets and believe in herself if she is to save the moon and return it to the sky.

Review

Fae and the Moon is a short, simple tale with artwork more stunning than the actual storyline. With a narrative so brief, readers have no time to learn much about the characters or their histories, making it difficult to feel invested. Events unfold quickly, with little explanation, just for the sake of moving the plot forward. The illustrations will no doubt appeal to the tween audience the book is intended for. But the actual plot is disappointing.

In some ways, Fae and the Moon feels more like the outline to a story, than an actual story. It begins in media res, with readers being informed that Fae’s mother is missing–though for how long or why is never made clear. Fae, for the meantime, seems to live with some friendly mice and a rabbit named Percival, though the nature of their relationships is likewise foggy. But readers are not to worry about any of this, since the book jumps right to the point–Fae is going to steal the moon to convince her mother to come home. Why would this work? Why would Fae have this idea in the first place? All unclear.

Events unfold rapidly from this point, seemingly moving from scene to scene just to keep things interesting. Transitions, explanations, and detailed worldbuilding are seemingly unnecessary. It is the moments that count. The secret notebooks. The mysterious key. The unexpected villains. Again, it feels rather like someone had a great idea about a girl stealing the moon and then jotted down some things that could happen, but without considering how these events could be worked into a cohesive whole.

The main strength of Fae and the Moon is the artwork, which will appeal to readers with its bright colors, simple lines, and cute animals. The story itself, however, feels underdeveloped. The ending leaves room for a sequel, but it is hard to feel invested in wanting to know more when this first part feels so rushed and unpolished.