November 1, 2021
Two 17-year-olds who were bonded at birth through matching implanted microchips escape attempts on their life. Joy Mirari Abara is based on Hali-Monchuri, a planet devastated by the colonizing, imperialistic Qadin family. This same family instituted the Kindred program that bonded poor commoner Joy, mind and body, to the handsome, black-haired, dark brown-skinned Duke Felix Hamdi in a notably unconventional match. Joy's dark-brown skin and weight are critiqued by Maxon, the boy her mother chose as her betrothed, but to Felix, she's everything he's ever wanted, though he must hide his care for her--both his Kindred and his love. When all the reigning Qadin family members are assassinated, and Joy and Felix are accused of the murders, they leave their galaxy in search of a way to prove their innocence. They find Terra, our Earth, and through friendships with humans and other aliens, they realize they may also find ways to save their planet and relationship. The pacing is uneven at times: Pages of characters' reflections are followed by bursts of disjointed action, and quite a bit of the exposition is shared in flashbacks dotted throughout the novel, interrupting the flow. However, body-positive messages and brilliant, considerate queer representation demonstrate abundant heart. The character development is comprehensive, even for those on the periphery, and the attention to technological and language details is fun and focused. Intergalactic intrigue, a little romance, and a lot of action make for good vibes in this space saga. (Science fiction. 14-18)

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November 29, 2021
To quiet social upheaval following a past revolution, the conquering Qadin family conceived of the Monchuri system’s Kindred Program, which telepathically links citizens—“one from the upper class, one from the lower”—at birth. Aspiring 17-year-old musician Felix Hamdi is a haughty duke from wealthy world Maru, where his royal Qadin cousins reign. He’s linked to music-loving Joy Mirari Abara, hailing from impoverished Hali and born three minutes after Felix. Though it’s common for Kindreds to marry, class differences keep Felix and Joy—who have “different kinds of brown” skin—apart, and Joy is by necessity engaged to a wealthy man she doesn’t love. But Felix is implicated when the Qadin convoy is shot down over Hali, and Joy caught in the line of fire, forcing both on the run. Instead of the neutral planet they’re aiming for, they land on Terra (Earth), upon a Florida island where they seek refuge. Though the combination of galactic intrigue, Earth-bound teenage antics, and frequent flashbacks result in a crowded, unevenly paced story, Dow (The Sound of Stars) capably executes the friends-to-lovers trope, combined with thoughtful explorations of colorism, body shaming, imperialism, and racism. Ages 13–up. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Irene Goodman Literary.

December 15, 2021
Grades 8-11 Felix and Joy were bonded as Kindred at birth, thanks to a program designed to connect the wealthy and the poor across the planets of the Q system. They share every experience and communicate at will, though they have never met. Felix is a flirtatious, privileged Qadin royal. Joy is the hardworking daughter of a single mother who dreams of writing children's books. Both are at a disadvantage because of their dark skin. Opposites definitely attract, but the two are forbidden to fall in love. On their shared seventeenth birthday, they are framed for a royal assassination attempt, which forces them to flee in Felix's personal spaceship. After an emergency landing on Terra (i.e., Earth), the two are befriended by a talkative, gay Florida teen who introduces them to high school. Joy and Felix's infatuation blossoms into love just as bounty hunters arrive to deliver them to their kingdom's usurper. Humor and sweet romance dominate this charming, if uneven, novel, which touches on issues of colonization, colorism, loss of a parent, and body positivity.

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