"Chupeco's second installment in the Hundred Names for Magic series combines the quip-filled vibe of a contemporary teen rom-com, the breadth of an epic fantasy, and the irreverent verve of a punkrock mix tape blaring out of a speeding hot rod" — Booklist

"Cultural deviations add wit, and chapter titles bestow particular joy. The cast is authentically diverse, their youthful uncertainty and determined courage engaging readerly affection... come along for the utter delight of young folk using energy and magic for good" — Aurealis Magazine

"A whirlwind adventure that balances the fantastic with dreams of how real-world problems might be solved." — Kirkus

"Pure fun with a Filipino-inspired flair" — School Library Journal

"A fabulistic alternate history with friendship at its heart, An Unreliable Magic is an enthralling fantasy novel " — Foreword

11/01/2022

Gr 9 Up—Magic and mischief take over this folklore-filled contemporary fantasy. While the end of Wicked As You Wish left the way clear for Tala's best friend, Alex, to become King of Avalon, it turns out forswearing the enchanted Nameless Sword isn't enough to get Tala the life of peace and quiet she wants. Pulled back into the political scheming of the high court, Tala and her band of misfits need to stop the Snow Queen before she can release more horrors and destroy Alex's reign before it has truly begun. Quests, quips, and well-developed characters make this an irreverent fantasy perfect for those who enjoy their adventures packed with humor. VERDICT Pure fun with a Filipino-inspired flair.

★ 2022-02-09
A group of teenagers grapple with fate, running a kingdom, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Tala Makiling Warnock and her friends may have saved Avalon from the Snow Queen, but there’s more to do. Now serving as king, Alexei Tsarevich must balance doing the right thing with doing the diplomatically responsible thing, making helping refugees locked up in the Royal States of America much more complicated. Tala, meanwhile, is still grappling with uncomfortable revelations about her father and her affinity for the powerful Nameless Sword. As the Snow Queen regroups, seeking revenge, and OzCorp looks to exploit Avalon’s resources, Tala, Alex, and the rest of their friends must face the prophetic facts of their dooms and what they might mean for the fates of both Avalon and their love lives. Picking up immediately where Wicked as You Wish (2020) left off, Chupeco spares no time reviewing the world or past events, which may leave new readers disoriented. Returning fans will note that the strengths of the first book are present. Featuring a diverse ensemble cast—Tala’s mother is Filipina and her father is Scottish, and other characters encompass a variety of ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities—and a magical world packed with references, both large and small, to fairy tales and folklore, this is a whirlwind adventure that balances the fantastic with dreams of how real-world problems might be solved.

A satisfying sequel offering more of what worked so well the first time. (glossary) (Fantasy. 13-18)