Sword in the Stars (Once & Future #2)

by A. R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy

Overview

In this epic sequel to Once & Future, Ari and her Rainbow knights must pull off a Holy Grail heist thousands of years in the past — without destroying their own destinies.

Ari Helix may have won her battle against the tyrannical Mercer corporation, but the larger war has just begun. Ari and her cursed wizard Merlin must travel back in time to the unenlightened Middle Ages and steal the King Arthur's Grail — the very definition of impossible. It's imperative that the time travelers not skew the timeline and alter the course of history. Coming face-to-face with the original Arthurian legend could produce a ripple effect that changes everything. Somehow Merlin forgot that the past can be even more dangerous than the future....

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316322164
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	06/01/2021
Series:	Once & Future Novels , #2
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Cory McCarthy (they/he) and A. R. Capetta (all pronouns) are the acclaimed bestselling authors of books for young people. Highlights include: the coauthored Once & Future, an ALA Rainbow List selection and finalist for the New England Book Award; A. R.’s queer genre titles Echo After Echo,The Lost Coast, and The Brilliant Death duology; Cory’s cinematic novels Breaking Sky, Now a Major Motion Picture, and You Were Here. The coauthors met while earning MFAs at Vermont College of Fine Arts, and soon after fell in love. During the release party for Once & Future at their local indie bookstore, they became engaged and were married shortly thereafter. They are riotously happy.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for ONCE & FUTURE

* "All hail this worthier-than-ever, fresh, and affirming reincarnation of the legendary king and her round table of knights which dazzles with heroic flair, humor, and suspense."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

* "A marvelous mythology remix for teens who enjoy action-packed speculative fiction and genderqueer romance."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

*"This epic space adventure... is a must-have."—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"Fun and fearless, this story romps right across the galaxy and into your heart."—Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of Illuminae

"Pointedly funny and deftly topical, an effortless Arthurian update with heart in all the right places."—#1 New York Times Bestselling Author E.K. Johnston

"Once & Future is an utterly delightful romp, full of witty voice, imaginative adventures, and deeply lovable characters. It kept me up into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't put it down!"—Katherine Locke, author of The Girl with the Red Balloon (2018 Sydney Taylor Honor Book)

"Once & Future is a sizzling, bold exploration of gender, power, and revolution. Its dynamic and diverse cast will inspire and delight readers. I loved every second!"—Jessica Khoury, author of The Forbidden Wish

"A rip-roaring, no-holds-barred, gloriously queer reinvention of Arthurian legend."—Malinda Lo, author of Ash and A Line in the Dark

From the Publisher

★ 04/01/2020

Gr 9 Up—A thrilling sequel and epic conclusion to Capetta and McCarthy's Once and Future. After defeating the Mercer Corporation in her first battle, Ari (the 42nd incarnation of King Arthur), Queen Gweneviere, the cursed young Merlin, and the Rainbow Knights travel back in time to the Middle Ages to steal Arthur's Grail from the all-seeing time enchantress, the Lady of the Lake. While on the perilous quest, these futuristic time-traveling heroes can't skew the time line or alter the course of history—an impossible task once Ari comes face-to-face with the original Arthurian legend, and the young, cursed Merlin meets his older past self. After completing her quest, Ari must face a powerful foe in the final battle that will determine her fate and the end or continuation of the curse that brings the Arthurian legend alive throughout time. This is a stimulating installment in a stellar series. The descriptions, character development, unique plot twists, and conclusion will leave readers thirsting for a third novel. Pair with Kiersten White's The Guinevere Deception and Mari Mancusi's The Camelot Code. VERDICT This inclusive, gender-bent adventure story is a must-have science fiction/fantasy sequel for all young adult collections.—Angelina Bair, Lakewood Public Library, OH

School Library Journal