Waking Fire (Waking Fire #1)

In Louise’s spirited fantasy debut, 16-year-old Naira Khoum endeavors to protect her loved ones from a despicable warlord’s wrath. Naira’s home, the isolated village of Lagusa on the edge of the desert, has become a refuge to Merza peoples ever since the warlord Sothpike razed their empire 20 years ago. While Lagusa has managed to remain hidden from Sothpike’s treachery, rumors claim that the warlord is on his way to them. Lagusa is soon invaded by the Mistress, one of Sothpike’s mercenaries, and her undead army, come to forcibly draft Lagusa’s children into Sothpike’s militia. Willing to risk everything to save her people, Naira; her twin brother, Nez; and Naira’s crush Kal, a refugee from Merza, join a burgeoning resistance, determined to drive the Mistress out before she can cause further harm. Overwrought expository prose and standard plotting occasionally allay this ambitious series starter. Nevertheless, the lush, South Asia–inspired setting, brimming with cultural and historical references, and viscerally described action sequences make for an immersive, adventure-filled tale. Characters are described as having brown skin and black hair. Ages 13–up. Agent: Claire Friedman, InkWell Management. (Jan.)