Review by Booklist Review
The world ended when magic returned. People like Tenn discovered they had affinities for the different elemental magics and were sent away to study them, but where there is power, there is corruption. Now Tenn is a Hunter, fighting a losing war against the zombielike Howls raised by necromancers, while even bigger monsters, called the Kin, lurk in the background. Tenn has an affinity for Water and Earth magics, but when his Water magic begins to powerfully act without his guidance, and a dangerous incubus Kin begins visiting him, he knows that something bigger is happening. When Hunter Jarrett, a boy from his past, reappears, Tenn finds himself with potentially world-altering decisions to make. This fantasy-dystopia blend is action-packed from bloody start to unsettling end. The world building can be vague, and the secondary characters somewhat thinly drawn, but this is notable for its casual inclusion of a gay hero: Tenn is already comfortable with his sexuality, and his budding romance with Jarrett sweetly balances the action. An often gripping series starter.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Set in the postapocalyptic landscape of the Midwestern United States, this series opener is a tale of magic gone wrong. Once, magical powers existed in harmony with the energy centers of the world. But the ruling Kin's lust for power transformed the once-beautiful use of magic into a world controlled by corruption and fear. Only the Hunters-those brave enough to fight off the Kin-may have enough power to fight back. But they will have to use the same magic that destroyed the world they knew in order to do it. Now Tenn, one of the Hunters, has to choose to fight and risk losing his life or to remain in a world where everything he once loved has already been lost. Tenn's voice crackles with sarcasm and humor, despite the hopeless situation in which he is living. His yearning for something more is resonant of teens' desire to move beyond the confines of their parents' world and into something grander of their own making. Tenn's romantic pursuits will also keep readers interested. Will he choose Jarret, a Hunter like himself? Or will he go for Tomas, the sexy but cunning member of the Kin? The dialogue between characters is quick and easy and keeps the novel moving at an even pace. -VERDICT -Recommended for fans of dystopian fiction and fantasy.-Tabitha Nordby, Red River College, Man. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In an America ravaged by elemental magic and the evil creatures created by its misuse, Tenn joins other humans--including alluring Jarrett--to survive. The immediate, intense connection between the young men becomes a liability when incubus Tomas attempts to recruit Tenn for the dark side. The unabashedly steamy (and welcome) same-sex love triangle that ensues distinguishes this high-stakes fantasy/dystopia from others in the genre. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
