The Nightward

Garcia’s ambitious Caribbean-influenced debut and duology launch kicks off when Princess Viella’s family are removed from power in a violent coup. She flees with her bodyguard, Luka, who, though resentful at having to play babysitter, is determined to protect her at all costs. As they cross kingdoms pursued by a virulent dark power, those back at court delve into both the kingdom’s history and the labyrinthine palace itself. It soon becomes clear that Viella and Luka are caught up in something more far-reaching than a simple grab for power. Garcia favors telling over showing, with worldbuilding elements—including a litany of mostly undifferentiated categories of magic users—generally discussed by characters instead of playing out in the narrative. The resulting jargon-studded prose requires repeated reference to the appendix, and even seasoned high fantasy readers will find their patience strained. However, Garcia rewards that patience with a truly compelling sci-fi twist, subverting the fantasy setting and throwing the theological premise of the story into question. It’s an occasionally wobbly but still promising start, well-suited to readers of Brandon Sanderson. Agent: Cameron McClure, Donald Maass Literary. (Oct.)