11/29/2021
To quiet social upheaval following a past revolution, the conquering Qadin family conceived of the Monchuri system’s Kindred Program, which telepathically links citizens—“one from the upper class, one from the lower”—at birth. Aspiring 17-year-old musician Felix Hamdi is a haughty duke from wealthy world Maru, where his royal Qadin cousins reign. He’s linked to music-loving Joy Mirari Abara, hailing from impoverished Hali and born three minutes after Felix. Though it’s common for Kindreds to marry, class differences keep Felix and Joy—who have “different kinds of brown” skin—apart, and Joy is by necessity engaged to a wealthy man she doesn’t love. But Felix is implicated when the Qadin convoy is shot down over Hali, and Joy caught in the line of fire, forcing both on the run. Instead of the neutral planet they’re aiming for, they land on Terra (Earth), upon a Florida island where they seek refuge. Though the combination of galactic intrigue, Earth-bound teenage antics, and frequent flashbacks result in a crowded, unevenly paced story, Dow (The Sound of Stars) capably executes the friends-to-lovers trope, combined with thoughtful explorations of colorism, body shaming, imperialism, and racism. Ages 13–up. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Irene Goodman Literary. (Jan.)
A POPSUGAR Best YA Book of 2022
"With a stellar blend of rip-roaring action and electrifying romance, The Kindred will keep your heart pounding from cover to cover. Truly, a starry-eyed tale sure to capture readers from all across the universe." —Ayana Gray, author of Beasts of Prey
“Breathtaking in both action and romance, I couldn’t turn the pages of The Kindred fast enough!" —Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Across the Universe and Star Wars: Rebel Rising
"Sweetly romantic with a unique voice, The Kindred expands Dow's universe while asking us to confront our own." —Lora Beth Johnson, author of Goddess in the Machine
"A lush, emotion-packed adventure about what it means to be truly connected to the world around you." —Eric Smith, author of Don't Read the Comments
"A romantic, technicolor space fantasy that will sweep you off your feet and into the stars," —Rebecca Coffindaffer, author of Crownchasers
In this sci-fi adventure narrated by Dominique Moore and Amin El Gamal, two teens find themselves on Earth after one of them is framed for murder. Felix and Joy live in a world where mind connections, known as kindreds, are formed at birth. However, their connection was a mistake, as Felix is a royal and Joy is a commoner. When Felix is blamed for the death of the royal family, the kindreds escape their planet and find themselves falling for each other. The narrators shine during the interspersed news bites and human characters that provide comic relief. Moore and El Gamal don't always match each other's narration choices, but the emotion they bring to the story, along with high-stakes action and romance, will keep listeners engaged. S.B.T. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
In this sci-fi adventure narrated by Dominique Moore and Amin El Gamal, two teens find themselves on Earth after one of them is framed for murder. Felix and Joy live in a world where mind connections, known as kindreds, are formed at birth. However, their connection was a mistake, as Felix is a royal and Joy is a commoner. When Felix is blamed for the death of the royal family, the kindreds escape their planet and find themselves falling for each other. The narrators shine during the interspersed news bites and human characters that provide comic relief. Moore and El Gamal don't always match each other's narration choices, but the emotion they bring to the story, along with high-stakes action and romance, will keep listeners engaged. S.B.T. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
2021-10-13
Two 17-year-olds who were bonded at birth through matching implanted microchips escape attempts on their life.
Joy Mirari Abara is based on Hali-Monchuri, a planet devastated by the colonizing, imperialistic Qadin family. This same family instituted the Kindred program that bonded poor commoner Joy, mind and body, to the handsome, black-haired, dark brown–skinned Duke Felix Hamdi in a notably unconventional match. Joy’s dark-brown skin and weight are critiqued by Maxon, the boy her mother chose as her betrothed, but to Felix, she’s everything he’s ever wanted, though he must hide his care for her—both his Kindred and his love. When all the reigning Qadin family members are assassinated, and Joy and Felix are accused of the murders, they leave their galaxy in search of a way to prove their innocence. They find Terra, our Earth, and through friendships with humans and other aliens, they realize they may also find ways to save their planet and relationship. The pacing is uneven at times: Pages of characters’ reflections are followed by bursts of disjointed action, and quite a bit of the exposition is shared in flashbacks dotted throughout the novel, interrupting the flow. However, body-positive messages and brilliant, considerate queer representation demonstrate abundant heart. The character development is comprehensive, even for those on the periphery, and the attention to technological and language details is fun and focused.
Intergalactic intrigue, a little romance, and a lot of action make for good vibes in this space saga. (Science fiction. 14-18)
