These Rebel Waves

In an island nation where multiple factions battle for control of its magical plants, three teens from different backgrounds become unlikely allies in the ongoing struggle against an occupying country and its religious zealotry. When an important diplomat is kidnapped, Adeluna, a former rebel soldier, hatches a plan to find him before war can break out, and she frees the notorious raider Deveraux Bell from prison so he can use his unique talents to aid her in her efforts. Meanwhile, Benat, crown prince of occupying Argrid, attempts to use the island’s natural magic to cure diseases, even though his own father will brand him as a heretic for it. This first volume in a duology pairs political intrigue, magic, and high adventure with a religious and social conflict reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition. Between the extensive worldbuilding and sprawling cast, there’s a lot going on, and both the characters and story threads lack development. Still, Raasch (Frost like Night) creates an entertaining, complex story that will keep readers engaged up to the cliff-hanger ending. Ages 13–up. [em]Agent: Mackenzie Brady Watson, Stuart Krichevsky Literary. (Aug.) [/em]