The Mirrorwood

Twelve-year-old Fable, cued as white, is cursed by what her village calls the Blight, an enchantment from the surrounding Mirrorwood that caused her to be born without a face. To survive, she reluctantly steals the faces of those around her, which makes her a pariah and a target for fearsome Blighthunters—warriors tasked with eliminating anyone touched by magic. A close call with a hunter and his daughter and apprentice, brown-skinned Vycorax, spurs Fable, along with feline companion Moth, to head deep into the impenetrable Mirrorwood, resolving to break the curse. As Vycorax pursues, the duo eventually crosses paths with one of Mirrorwood’s omnipresent Subtle Powers, who offers them a quest: kill the demon prince of the realm, and be free of the Blight. But the forest is filled with dangers more treacherous than Blighthunters, and Fable and Vycorax must work together or risk being swallowed up by the wood. Fagan’s (Nightingale) sinister, fast-paced fantasy adventure is elevated by Fable and Vycorax’s warm, slow-building friendship. This thrilling and unusual tale suggests that self-reflection—and self-acceptance—can be the difference between heroism and villainy. Ages 10–12. Agent: Hannah Fergesen, KT Literary. (Apr.)