A Song of Salvation

June 5, 2023
Seventeen-year-old Zaira Citlali is the last survivor of the magically gifted nightweavers, who were murdered by the colonizing Ilori. As the seemingly powerless reincarnation of Indigo, the god of creation, Zaira is meant to be sacrificed to Ozvios, the god of destruction. Unbeknownst to the Ilori, the nightweavers live on as spirits in the shadows, but if Zaira doesn’t harness her power, the world and the souls of her people will be lost forever. Upon escaping her scheduled execution by the Ilori emperor, Zaira meets Andarran empath Wesley Daniels, a transporter of mysterious items and creatures. Together with Rubin Rima, an anti-authoritarian podcaster whom Wesley was hired to smuggle to Earth, the three teens embark on a desperate mission to defeat the Ilori and set Zaira’s people free. Featured subplots and characters from previous titles by Dow (The Kindred) can sometimes feel underdeveloped in this jam-packed novel. Still, Dow imbues the protagonists with vivacious personality that comes through in zingy dialogue that also provides much-needed brevity amid the ensuing galactic drama. The importance of chosen family, humanity, and self-love predominate in this piercingly observed adventure that sheds light on the crimes and consequences of colonial occupation. Characters are racially diverse. Ages 13–up. Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary.

Starred review from July 15, 2023
A young woman must save the universe and fulfill her destiny. In an effort to maintain balance in the universe, creator god Indigo existed in opposition to god of Destruction Ozvios. But Indigo died and was reborn in the body of teenager Zaira Citlali, who lives on Mal Ares, a planet colonized by the Ilori Empire, which is allied with Ozvios. Zaira is the last nightweaver, someone who can harness the power of music. Indigo used songs to create life, and harmonious song can defeat Ozvios--if all the planets can come together. But Zaira must learn to awaken Indigo's power within herself before the Ilori can sacrifice her to Ozvios. Narrowly escaping death, Zaira seeks pilot Wesley Daniels, the Andarran empath her grandmother insists she must find, for help defeating Ozvios and the Ilori emperor in an intergalactic war. This novel interweaves first-person narratives from Zaira and Wesley with podcast transcripts, song lyrics, and other interludes. The result is a rock-solid story filled with introspection, humor, suspenseful twists, and fully developed characters and in which intricate worldbuilding details and plot elements are seamlessly and cleverly interwoven. Wesley falls for charismatic podcaster Rubin Rima, whose characterization evokes hilarity and compassion. The novel speaks to real-life experiences of colonization and trauma through its Black protagonists whose experiences propel them toward restored faith in humanity. "Thick, strong, and sturdy" Zaira is a wonderfully body-positive lead. An uplifting read about love and acceptance in a chaotic universe. (Science fiction. 13-18)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.