Inferno’s Heir

A fire-wielding princess infiltrates a rebel army to barter her own freedom in Wang’s pulpy fantasy debut. Since the death of her father, the king of Erisia, 17-year-old Teia Carthan has lived at the whims of her cruel half brother and heir to the throne Jura, whose first order of business is to sell Teia into marriage. But when Jura places a bounty on teenage Kyra Medoh—a recent recruit of the Dawnbreakers, the rebel army sowing the seeds of democracy throughout the kingdom—he unwittingly presents Teia with the opportunity to win her freedom. Kyra is rumored to be a fire wielder, which makes her a threat to Jura, as only the royal Carthans can harness fire. Thus, he promises to grant one favor to whoever can capture Kyra, a favor that Teia intends to obtain for herself: she will fulfill the bounty and force Jura to break her betrothal. During her quest, Teia integrates herself into the Dawnbreakers and begins questioning the monarchy, as well as her own hand in upholding it. The antagonists read as evil for evil’s sake and the protagonists lack depth, making it difficult for readers to become invested in their plight. Suspenseful plotting and adrenaline-inducing action delivered at a steady clip nevertheless coalesce in an exciting adventure. Major characters are racially diverse. Ages 12–17. Agent: Kelly Van Sant, KT Literary. (Oct.)