The Last Great Heir

December 2, 2024
Finn’s fantastical debut draws readers deep into a world of demons, social justice, and legacy. On their 13th birthdays, the chosen heirs of the houses of Feast and Famine have for generations been forced to duel to determine who will rule the land of Fauret and act as the Guardian of the Scion. Twelve-year-old Rue Famine has spent her whole life safely cocooned in the austere Wormwood Hall under the tutelage of her mothers as she attempts to learn everything she needs to know to rule. She often questions their way of life: “Why should she have to sacrifice everything to protect someone she’d never seen?” Meanwhile, Merriment Feast has lived in the lap of luxury—when she’s not buckling under her Guardian aunt’s grueling training. The girls’ growing maturity as they learn more about the world outside their house’s influence poignantly tackles class dynamics. Though the meandering narrative—evenly split between the tweens—is haphazardly plotted, it’s punctuated by sincere moments of character interaction that ruminates on the weight of familial expectation and the strength it takes to carve one’s own path. Main characters default to white. Ages 10–13. Agent: Linda Epstein, Emerald City Literary.

December 15, 2024
For generations, the heirs of the Feast and Famine families have dueled for control over the land of Fauret and the coveted guardianship of the demon Centurion. Twelve-year-old Rue Famine is expected to succeed where her mother failed, but insufficient training has left her fumbling to master the simplest charms. Her curiosity about the Feasts' legendary sweets leads Rue to a chance sighting of Merriment Feast, the sparkling embodiment of her family's decadent reign. Merri has been training with her guardian, Aunt Ambrosia, in hopes of continuing the Feasts' dominance, but her interest in learning the Famines' potion work proves a catalyst for the heirs' parallel paths to cross. As hidden histories and family secrets come to light, it becomes clear that the long-divided houses must reunite. Debut author Finn's series opener is dense, and the alternating third-person narration struggles due to Rue's and Merri's voices being insufficiently distinct. Social class disparities are a central theme in this magical world, which evokes Studio Ghibli films, complete with quaint shops, talking cats, and a collection of entertainingly cagey and mercurial demons. At first, the lore required for effective worldbuilding is limited, while later in the book, a reveal is repeated without sufficient backstory. While the leads are well developed, the late introduction of explanatory information about supporting characters could pose a challenge to young readers' comprehension. Most characters present white. A charming setting and appealing premise are let down by uneven execution. (recipe)(Fantasy. 10-13)

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January 1, 2025
Grades 4-7 The Feast and Famine families have long been rivals, and generational duels sort out who will rule Fauret and keep the local demon in check. The Feasts have been in charge for generations, focusing on pleasure and parties, while the more austere Famine family focuses on caring for the less well-off residents of the kingdom. Rue Famine and Merriment Feast are the next two heirs who will come of age, and though they've each been raised to distrust the opposing family, neither of the girls desires to take part in the dangerous rite of passage. When a series of unexpected events uncovers hidden truths, the heirs' eyes are opened to each other's world, driving them to stop the terrible traditions at any cost. It's a compelling series opener, and the "feast versus famine" conceit works wonderfully, making it clear that neither approach is perfect in its extremes. The unusual adventure is incredibly creative and atmospheric, and it's impossible not to root for the appealing protagonists. An enchanting entreaty to both follow your heart and examine its prejudices.

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February 7, 2025

Gr 6 Up-A lush and intricately woven tale of legacy, power, and self-discovery. Rue Famine and Merriment Feast are two young heirs born to rival families destined to duel for guardianship of their magical realm, Fauret. Both protagonists, burdened by family expectations and personal insecurities, grapple with their roles in a world where their fates-and their souls-are at stake. Finn, a seasoned writer making her novel debut, crafts a world brimming with evocative imagery, drawing stark contrasts between Rue's shadowed upbringing and Merri's dazzling yet restrictive life. The dual perspectives provide insight into both girls' struggles, though their voices occasionally blur, making it difficult to fully distinguish their personalities. Supporting characters, while intriguing, feel lightly sketched, leaving some relationships under-explored. While the novel's race-neutral descriptions allow for open interpretation, they may unintentionally default to white-coded assumptions. Finn's mesmerizing worldbuilding hinting at a deep, layered history that extends beyond the immediate plot is undeniably the novel's standout feature. The vividly realized world of Fauret is rich, dynamic, and immersive. Readers who appreciate lush settings, intricate magic systems, and atmosphere (� la Leigh Bardugo's "Grishaverse" or Holly Black's "Elfhame") will likely be enchanted by Finn's intricate world. VERDICT A richly atmospheric fantasy with compelling themes of power and destiny, best suited for readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding and introspective storytelling. Finn's debut offers a strong foundation for what could become an exciting new fantasy series.-Rose Garrett

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