The Ancient’s Game

Orphaned and descended from a disgraced family, 16-year-old Kellan, who lives on the isle of Nanseau, is not allowed to practice makecraft, the magical art of metal-carving. But under the secret tutelage of her guardian Edgar, Kellan learns to wield her powerful skill. Following a visit to a maker’s expo where Kellan hopes to find a prototype to replace Edgar’s severed hand, she’s scouted by Master Engineer Madame Minora Mesny. Mesny takes Kellan under her wing to train for a competition against wealthy young apprentices for a chance to become a member of the Guild of Engineers. Kellan hopes to win the competition not only to make Mesny proud but to procure resources to help Edgar’s worsening condition. When the island begins experiencing threatening blackouts, however, she realizes that there might be more at stake, and soon, she’s not just fighting for Edgar but for the survival of her world. Kellan’s struggle to build confidence in herself—which she navigates alongside a budding romance with a Guild architect—drives Crittenden’s glimmering debut forward, resulting in a high-stakes story of friendship and the widespread effects of classism. Ages 13–up. (Oct.)