The Bear House

August 2, 2021
McIsaac’s (Movers) dark fantasy series starter ambitiously weaves intrigue and adventure against a complicated backdrop of constellation-inspired myth. The northern kingdoms, collectively known as the Bear Highen, have always been ruled by the House of the Hemoth Bear. Spoiled Aster Lourdes, 13, dreams of following in her father’s footsteps as its sovereign, but everyone expects her imperious older sister Ursula, 16, to be chosen. When their uncle Bram betrays the family in an unthinkable coup, the sisters must flee the kingdom, along with bear keeper Dev, 13, and young grizzly Alcor, “the living symbol of the Bear House.” To prevent the Bear Highen from falling to tyranny and blasphemy, the unlikely companions must survive in the wild, outwit their pursuers, and rally the heirs to several other kingdoms. Hot-tempered and insecure, the flawed, cued-white protagonists slowly prove themselves as they’re pushed to their limits in a well-depicted journey of maturity. Dense worldbuilding bogs things down early on, but multiple perspectives enable the story to play out from different angles, contributing to an epic, complex narrative. Ages 10–14. Agent: Alison McDonald, the Rights Factory.

August 15, 2021
With the help of new friends and powerful beasts, sisters must save their kingdom from their treacherous uncle after he murders their father. Aster and Ursula are known as the spoiled daughters of Maj. Jasper Lourdes, ruler of the entire Bear Highen, which comprises several kingdoms. Neither is considered fit to lead someday. When Uncle Bram betrays Jasper in an attempt to usurp the throne, the sisters know they are in danger. They flee the Manor alongside the bear Alcor, who is a High Beast, and Dev, the boy apprenticed to care for Alcor. This rich fantasy world is inspired by the constellations, and each kingdom is associated with a beast that is reflected in the stars. After sending a plea for help, the runaway group is joined by two young princes: Quintin Wyvern with a Shadow Dragon and Lorc Conri with a Starhound. The ragtag team must learn to trust one another, work together, and find their individual strengths. The stellar worldbuilding is both expansive and accessible, and the action never falters. Parental expectations clash with the aspirations of several of the young crew, adding a sympathetic dimension. The primary plot is wrapped up, but this world is ripe for many more stories. Physical descriptions are few, but most characters read as White; Quintin's mother has brown skin. Thrilling adventure set in an enchanting world makes this an easy pick for high fantasy fans. (map) (Fantasy. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2021

Gr 4-7-A group of young teens must deal with the aftermath of a terrible act of betrayal and make a place for themselves in their changed universe. Princesses Aster and Ursula are the daughters of the respected Major Jasper Lourdes, who is basically the high king of their world. After her father and most of the other Majors, plus their magical animal partners, are killed due to the machinations of his older brother Bram, Aster learns that she and her sister are considered spoiled brats by everyone. However, by the end of the book, the princesses prove capable of heroism. Truly wonderful world-building almost makes up for the stereotypical behavior of the young female characters, who seem selfish and lazy until forced to be otherwise, while the young male characters show resolve and agency as they deal with difficult problems before the events of the novel. The story ties up neatly, but many characters deserve future stories of their own. Most characters are cued as white. VERDICT A novel set in a compelling world marred by uneven characterization that does its female protagonists a disservice.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles P.L.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.