Gr 9 Up--Fans of Lore will be excited to see Bracken's dark take on Arthurian legend in this adrenaline-fueled contemporary fantasy. With no power of her own, Tamsin Lark is at a disadvantage every time her foster father and brother use their Hollower powers to break into ancient crypts chasing treasures and magic. When her guardian disappears on an expedition, following in his footsteps is the only way the siblings can survive. Seven years later, rumor of a powerful artifact that might break her brother's curse sends Tamsin into the arms of Emrys, a rival from a Hollower family who want the magic ring for themselves. Tamsin must head to the lost Isle of Avalon if she has any hope of saving her brother, finding more danger than she could've imagined as she races other Hollowers for the ring. Bracken's readers will find familiar themes in her newest series as Tamsin learns to trust others and herself, with a mystery adventure and wry sense of humor that gives Tomb Raider vibes. The plot twists between horror and humor as it keeps readers turning pages. The slow-burn romance between Tamsin and Emrys is a high point for the novel, as Tamsin sets aside her cynicism, and will hopefully grow in later books. The main cast reads as white, with some diversity in supporting characters. VERDICT Bracken is a familiar name on bestseller lists; this title likely already has fans waiting. An inventive, and slightly gruesome, fantasy recommended for general purchase.--Emmy Neal

Bracken (Lore) valiantly blends contemporary fantasy and Arthurian legend to explore issues of faith, fate, and family in this captivating series launch. Tamsin Lark and her foster brother, Cabell, were 10 when their guardian, Nash, went missing. Seven years later, the siblings are working in Boston as Hollowers--hunters of magical relics--when Tam learns of a curse-breaking ring forged for Lancelot. Tam is eager to pursue the ring, believing it's the key to dispelling a monstrous curse that has haunted Cabell for most of his life. Moreover, it seems that Nash was chasing this ring when he disappeared. While Tam, unlike Cabell and most Hollowers, has no innate magic, she'll do whatever it takes to help Cabell and hopefully find Nash, even if that means traveling to the lost realm of Avalon and collaborating with her rival, Emrys, to beat out the descending horde of treasure seekers. Elaborate worldbuilding complements a serpentine plot, which balances horror and heartbreak with humor and tenderness. Heady romance blooms between Tam and Emrys, but it's pessimistic Tam's rewarding journey toward hope, trust, and self-acceptance that serves as the story's heart. Main characters read as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 14--up. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. (Apr.)

Abandoned as a child, Tamsin Lark has been raised, alongside her adopted brother, Cabell, as a Hollower, a mortal cursebreaker who steals ancient artifacts from crypts and ruins. When their foster father disappears without a trace, Tamsin and Cabell are left to survive in the only world they have ever known. But Cabell has been consumed all his life by a vicious curse that neither can break. When Tamsin hears about a powerful but deadly ring tied directly to Arthurian legend, she's determined to find it, but her longtime rival Emrys, who hails from one of the most powerful Hollower families, is at her heels, and he has his own reasons for needing the ring. The search will take them out of the modern world and into legend--and also into more danger than even they could imagine possible. Fans of Bracken's best-selling Lore (2021) will be drawn to this thematically similar series starter, which rips relentlessly through the bones of Arthurian myth as Tamsin forges a legacy of her own. Gruesome and engrossing.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Bracken hit best-seller lists with her debut series (The Darkest Minds), and her star has continued to rise since. This high-concept, high-interest series starter most likely has a waiting list already.

Through mythology and despite the dangers, a teen seeks the cure to her brother's curse. Ever since their guardian disappeared 7 years ago, Tamsin and Cabell have been Hollowers, adventurers who recover magical artifacts for fame and fortune. While Tamsin lacks the One Vision, or the ability to see magic, her encyclopedic knowledge, preparedness, and suspicious nature balance her brother's approachability, humor, and rare abilities as an Expeller who can deflect curses. But when the siblings are offered a huge bounty for a legendary item, Cabell loses control of his own curse and becomes a monstrous hound. Tamsin vows to save him, leaving on a quest that takes her to a twisted version of Avalon. The discussions of familial bonds, including feelings of belonging and loyalty, are realistic and depicted well throughout. The blend of horror, urban fantasy, and Arthurian lore is intriguing and original, and the fast pacing and humor entertain. Tamsin's character arc, particularly her views on friendship, love, found family, and trust, is slow, believable, and satisfying. The plot twists are equally gripping and manage to balance grim moments with lighter, uplifting interactions. Although it feels predictable, the slow-burn romance relies on building mutual trust and support. The main characters are light-skinned; there is some racial diversity in the supporting cast. A gripping, thought-provoking, and inventive dark fantasy. (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.