Gr 7--10--Zahru always believed she would grow up to be a Potionmaker like her mother, but she instead finds herself becoming a Whisperer like her father, communicating with animals rather than living a life of luxury as a more powerful magician. Everything changes when the ruler of Orkena announces his three heirs will compete in the Crossing, a race across the desert that culminates in a human sacrifice to gain ultimate power and a place on the throne. With the help of her friend Hen, Zahru is added to the guest list for the banquet where the heirs will select their teammates. One thing leads to another, and Zahru suddenly finds herself trapped in a sibling rivalry between two princes, which results in Zahru being marked as the competition's human sacrifice. As she journeys across the desert with the heirs and their teams, Zahru must use not only her magic, but her strengths to change her fate, and maybe that of the kingdom. Mae has crafted a fascinating world with a unique magic structure that is wholly believable because of the vibrant characters within it. Zahru is instinctively driven to do the right thing, a trait that allows her to cut to the heart of the secondary characters, making even the most threatening or flawed seem good and worthy of redemption. VERDICT With characters to love, to hate, and to love to hate, plus a plot full of adventure skillfully woven with suspense, this is a must-purchase for all YA collections.--Erica Deb, Matawan Aberdeen P.L., NJ

Mae's ancient Egypt--inspired fantasy debut follows 16-year-old Whisperer Zahru, whose inherited power--animal communication, from her stablekeeper father--is considered unimpressive stacked against those of her fellow magical citizens. The dying monarch of Orkena, the Mestrah, has announced the gods' reinstatement of an ancient tradition called the Crossing, which determines the kingdom's next ruler through a desert race. Encouraged by her best friend, Hen, Zahru decides to assume the identity of her late mother, a powerful Potionmaker, to watch the lavish selection trials. The Mestrah's three children--firstborn but ill-favored Prince Kasta; illegitimate, reluctant-to-compete Prince Jet; and charming, hedonistic Princess Sakira--will choose teammates for the competition, in which the first to reach the Glass Caves secures the crown with a divine-designated human sacrifice. When Zahru makes an enemy of Kasta, he marks her as the sacrifice, setting into motion a harrowing journey toward certain death. The engaging cast stands out, especially the antagonists, whose well-developed backgrounds ensure sustained narrative tension. Though inadequate details, particularly about Orkena's history and magic, sometimes mar the worldbuilding, Zahru's amusing mental dialogue and nascent romance complement the fast-paced plot, resulting in an entertaining duology opener. Ages 12--up. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (June)

Caught between three royal siblings in a literal race for the throne of Orkena, Zahru has the misfortune of being selected as the human sacrifice that the victor will make at the finish line. Though she possesses magic, her gift as an animal whisperer isn't likely to save her. However, as she comes to know the princes, she gains a better understanding of her unique abilities and how valuable they are, especially when--in one case--those gifts are augmented by what might be love. A great cross-country race, sibling rivalry, magic gifts (or lack thereof), and unlikely love all come together in a delicious stew of adventure. Characters are enhanced by some glimpses into what powers their actions, rather than being stock figures with mythic trappings, and as a result, readers will bond with even those who appear to be the bad guys. As in other fantasies, magical ability and ability type help determine someone's value, but Mae bestows additional complexity on her characters by deliberately exploring the human traits that shape them as well.

A poor, unempowered stable girl--turned--human sacrifice spins her story. Zahru and her best friend, Hen, sneak into a royal party and, by the end, Zahru has been marked as the human sacrifice in the first Crossing in centuries. The ailing ruler of the Orkena kingdom calls for this brutal tradition, which will see his three heirs racing across the desert, the victorious one being the first to reach the end and kill the allegedly chosen-by-gods sacrifice. As a lowly Whisperer able to communicate with animals, living in a land where the rulers are the ones with the rarest magic, Zahru knows more than anyone what having power truly means. As she is traded among the three heirs traversing the desert, she needs to use all her skills to avoid being sacrificed in the end. Zahru's unexpectedly humorous inner voice, the rich worldbuilding full of political intrigue, a slow-burning romance, and a fantastic set of well-developed characters (both friends and foes) mark this exciting and refreshing tale of power and accountability. Against a backdrop of danger, betrayal and challenges, Zahru opts for kindness and hope every time she faces a life-or-death choice, with thought-provoking results. Zahru has fair skin; secondary characters (including her love interest) have brown skin. This diverse world includes queer characters. A funny, rewarding story for fans of optimistic tales with a bite. (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.