Publishers Weekly
07/15/2024
Twelve-year-old Violet Moon is next in line to become a Reaper like her father, who captains the Mooney, a magical boat that’s used to rescue souls—or “Passengers”—from the Children of the Shark, ghosts that steal spirits wading in the Tides of the Lost. Their latest mission goes awry when her father is abducted by the Children of the Shark, an unprecedented event which triggers the passing of his duties to Violet. As the new captain of the Mooney, Violet must earn the respect of her crew and peers, who mourn the apparent death of her father. Yet Violet, who doesn’t believe that he’s dead, determines to sail the Mooney to the Depths to find him. But opposition from her first mate and an organization comprising myriad powerful figures called the Chainbreakers Council, as well as brewing unrest among the Reapers and Passengers, complicate matters. Randall (the Pilar Ramirez duology) introduces a large cast of memorable and fiercely protective characters to ferry this swiftly moving tale. Lush worldbuilding depicted via swashbuckling prose encapsulates a propulsive fantasy adventure that entertains while sparking thoughtful discussions about grief, legacy, and revenge. Violet’s father has brown skin. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Long live the Chainbreakers! A fantastical, mind-blowing adventure. . . Violet and her friends don’t just smash barriers; they’ll win over your heart, too." —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times–bestselling co-author of The Sun and the Star
"A breathtaking, magical saga. Readers of all ages will find a place in their hearts for Violet Moon and her ragtag found family in this moving tale that’s as poetic as it is swashbuckling.” —Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times–bestselling author
"A magical high-seas adventure led by a strong girl with a powerful message of hope." —Kirkus Reviews
"A propulsive fantasy adventure that entertains while sparking thoughtful discussions about grief, legacy, and revenge." —Publishers Weekly
Praise for Pilar Ramirez
"A breathtaking journey through a world teeming with fantasy and history." —Kwame Mbalia, New York Times–bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series
“Randall takes history and myth and weaves a tight fantasy that is as funny as it is poignant. This novel is sure to delight and awe.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award Winner
* "Magic awaits around every corner in Zafa. Nonstop action and plenty of heart create a story worth escaping into." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "An undeniable page-turner." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Incredible voice that jumps right off the page. Pilar is the hilarious hero we need right now." —Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times–bestselling author of Ghost Squad
Kirkus Reviews
2024-07-04
Violet Moon, 12, must bring the Five Heavens together for a dangerous mission to save her father.
Beneath the ocean waves lies the realm called the Tides of the Lost, with “water above and water below but air in between.” In this space, the people of the Five Heavens, descendants of the Sun People—“children of a gold continent”—have found refuge from the Chainmakers, who sought to enslave them. This is where Violet, a Black girl, lives as a Reaper with her father, Virgil, the captain of theMooney. She’s spent her life at the helm of the Heaven of Horizon’s ship, helping to save Passengers, or souls, who are lost in the waters. But a Passenger rescue mission is thwarted by the Children of the Shark, Chainmakers transformed into ghostly shark-demons. They capture Violet’s father, who vanishes into the Depths. The Mark of the Scythe, a lavender tattoo, is transferred to Violet, acknowledging her as theMooney’s new captain, and she sets off to save her father and the others who have been pulled into a dark, dangerous lair. Violet is a powerful lead who’s sharp-witted and brave and leans on friends when needed. The eloquently descriptive worldbuilding will paint vivid images in readers’ minds.
A magical high-seas adventure led by a strong girl with a powerful message of hope.(Fantasy. 8-12)
