07/12/2021
Twelve-year-old triplets Cordelia, Giles, and Rosalind have spent their lives in a castle hidden deep in an enchanted forest, with only their sorceress mother, older half brother, and a family friend for company. Shapeshifter Cordelia yearns to roam the woods freely, while Rosalind trains as a warrior and Giles embraces his love of music. When armored troops break through the castle’s magical defenses, claiming that one of the triplets is rightful heir to the Raven Throne of Corvenne, the triad—unaware of who was born first—are forced to flee rather than become pawns in a brutal struggle for succession, while the remaining family is taken prisoner. As the three potential royals cross a war-torn land to uncover long-held secrets and save their loved ones, Cordelia is guided by mysterious voices and impulses that may help her heal the broken kingdom. This simultaneously brief and leisurely paced duology opener may leave readers hoping for more out of the next volume, but Burgis’s (the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series) focus on how the land influences the closely knit family of cued-white characters—each bearing complementary and unique gifts—results in a vividly described setting and a strong, shifting sibling dynamic. Ages 8–11. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, the Bent Agency. (Sept.)
12/03/2021
Gr 3–5—Burgis's latest middle grade combines magic, family, and heart in a quest to heal the magical land of Corvenne. Cordelia, with a gift for shifting into different animals, is the sibling always called to the forest. Giles composes songs with an obsessive fervor, while Rosalind wants to be a great warrior. One day, the people of the kingdom surround their mother's castle in the enchanted forest, demanding the heir to the throne and thrusting the triplets into the unknown. Similar to other coming-of-age adventures, each sibling learns to harness their talents throughout their journey to increase the success of their magical quest. The bonds of family are tested by secrets and intensified through defining moments of spirit, heart, and protectiveness. Although some of the backstory and characterization of the antagonists falls flat, the good-versus-evil dynamic is necessary for younger readers and has great potential as the series continues. Burgis weaves a tale that inspires readers to harness the magic within themselves, even during challenging times. This title would appeal to fans of Chris Colfer's "Land of Stories" series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. VERDICT A fantastical journey for elementary and middle school readers who love magic and adventure.—Hilary Tufo
2021-07-08
Isn’t it supposed to be a good thing to learn you’re the lost heir?
Cordelia adores her family—her fellow triplets, Giles and Rosalind; their older half brother, Connall; her mother; and her mother’s friend who looks after the goats—but their secret castle in the woods is claustrophobic. She longs to turn into an animal and explore, but she’s promised her overprotective mother that she won’t wander off without supervision. Rosalind has her mock sword fighting, and Giles has his music, but Cordelia has only the desperate urge to fly free with her animal shape-shifting powers. Her dream of freedom twists into a nightmare when angry people bearing arms arrive at the castle demanding the war-torn kingdom’s heir. The triplets escape into the woods when the others are taken captive, shocked by uncovered family secrets. Cordelia, learning more of her past, now has her own secrets. It’s one thing to squabble with Giles and Rosalind, but will they forgive her for being as parsimonious with the truth as their mother has been? Ultimately, saving the world requires an unbearable sacrifice and reveals that even loving family members make dreadful mistakes. Though Cordelia and her siblings are primarily sketched in lightly around their traits and hobbies, their emotional journeys are rich, believable, and fulfilling. The triplets are light-skinned, Connall is brown, and the world is racially diverse and has a mixed-gender military.
Chaotic, heartwarming, and emotionally satisfying with high stakes that keep readers invested. (Fantasy. 9-12)
Brimming with magic, The Raven Heir is thrilling, enchanting, and delightful, with a beautiful message about what family means and an irresistible shapeshifting heroine. Absolutely magnificent!” —Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of Spark
“From the first page to the last, you won't be able to set down this enthralling tale of magic, mystery, and political intrigue!” —bestselling author Jessica Day George
“A captivating, timeless tale that runs, burrows, and soars! I read the whole thing as if under a spell. The Raven Heir is destined to become a classic.” —Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels
“Chaotic, heartwarming, and emotionally satisfying with high stakes that keep readers invested.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Burgis weaves a tale that inspires readers to harness the magic within themselves, even during challenging times. This title would appeal to fans of Chris Colfer's “Land of Stories” series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon.” —School Library Journal
“Burgis's focus on how the land influences the closely knit family . . . results in a vividly described setting and a strong, shifting sibling dynamic.” —Publishers Weekly
“[An] eventful, enjoyable adventure story.” —Booklist
“Burgis weaves a tale that inspires readers to harness the magic within themselves, even during challenging times. This title would appeal to fans of Chris Colfer's “Land of Stories” series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon.” —School Library Journal Online
“Like sipping hot cocoa on a cold day, reading this book was an absolute delight.” —Sheila Grau, author of the Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series on THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART
“This story is a delightfully delicious blend of magic spiced with adventure and a heart as sweet and warm as molten chocolate. I completely adored this book!” —Sarah Prineas, author of THE MAGIC THIEF and Winterling series on THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART
“The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is a perfect confection: rich, satisfying, and remarkably delicious.” —Caroline Carlson, author of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series on THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART
“Black-presenting Silke's an entirely believable character; supporting characters are equally well-drawn, and Burgis' world is a robustly diverse one. As with the first book, the fantasy hijinks are tempered with depth for a story that's sweet but not saccharine.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON HEART
“A gloriously fresh story to be read with a steaming cup of chocolate at hand.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART
“A rousing adventure story with convincing characters and a colorful setting.” —Booklist on THE PRINCESS WHO FLEW WITH DRAGONS
