The beasts of winter

Fetch, a cursed fox, sets out to rescue his sister from the winter palace in this companion toThe Daggers of Ire (2024). Haunted by guilt, Fetch has long dreamed of saving his sister, Violet, who was stolen by the winter queen, Celeste, five years ago. He finally sets out on his quest. At his side is Beck, the dragon who's "half bone, half dream," spun by Fetch from magical spools of thread. They journey through forests, a town populated by giants, and woods guarded by massive, poisonous worms. Along the way, Fetch gains allies in pale-skinned, black-haired Hawthorn, a brave girl with green eyes whose loyalty never wavers, and Garzo, a "dramatic, self-absorbed" fairy whose help arrives at just the right times. Each step brings Fetch closer to the winter palace, his sister, and a dangerous secret. To succeed, he must master his Zindero abilities, weaving powers like invisibility and strength to outwit foes and evade traps before time runs out and he loses his sister (and his magic) forever. Cervantes balances action with emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery. Subtle hints of a darker, internal threat echo events from the first book, adding tension. The worldbuilding is vivid and immersive, and the narrative combines suspense, humor, and heart to create a story that will be accessible to new readers while rewarding fans of the series. Final art not seen. A magical, high-stakes adventure of courage, friendship, and self-forgiveness.(Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.