Curse of shadows

Gr 9 Up--In this second title in Wilder's "Amassia Series," strong relationships continue to be at the core. Similar to the first book, Crown of Bones, the viewpoints of the three main characters, Marcus, Ash, and Kaylin, alternate chapters as the story picks up where the previous book ended. Marcus has lost his position as Heir to the Throne and instead is named the next Bone Gatherer, who is tasked to gather the 12 whistle bones comprising the crown of bones and protect the realms once the second sun appears in the sky as an omen of the next Great Dying. As the three main characters begin the epic quest to stop the end of the world, Wilder's skillful worldbuilding shines from believable secondary characters to magical society norms to settings ranging from cities to hamlets to underwater kingdoms. Wilder has created a magical, enthralling world that keeps readers engaged from the first page. The main male characters are assumed to be white, while Ash is a strong white female lead. There are many diverse secondary characters and all relationship interactions are age appropriate. VERDICT Recommended for all fantasy fans and especially those who enjoyed the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Leigh Bardugo and "The Bone Witch" trilogy by Rin Chupeco.--Susan Catlett