The Nightward

September 1, 2024

Luka is a bodyguard in the matriarchal, magical Gailand, named after goddess-founder Gaiea. His charge is nine-year-old Viella, princess and heir to Gaiea's abilities and memories. When the queen is killed and the capital is raided by shadow mages, Luka flees with Viella across the allied queendoms to keep her safe. But why can't Viella use her Gaiea powers yet, and who within the capital let the magicians in? This novel from Garcia (Lex Talionis), the first in a duology, is styled like a retro high fantasy. Character names include both Mordoch and Gretchen, there's a nebulous source of all evil, and the background is vaguely Middle Ages--this time with more Caribbean and West African stylings, featuring a woman warrior caste named after the Dahomey Amazons. Fresh and inventive takes come through glimpses of the origins of Gailand: the evil might be an eldritch space god, magic is fueled by nanobots, and magic portals have brand names. The balance leans heavily high fantasy, but the possibility of breaking out of genre standards might keep readers hooked for the sequel. VERDICT An intriguing magi-tech high-fantasy series opener that paves the way for chaos in the follow-up.--Katherine Sleyko

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September 27, 2024
The second most important day of almost-10-year-old Princess Viella's life was a disaster. Her ceremonial confirmation as the next Hand of Gaiea was curtailed by her mother's assassination, making Viella High Queen even as she flees the coup with her bodyguard. They quickly realize that the Nightward, an ancient, magical book, has been opened, unleashing dark creatures into Gailand, some of which are hunting Viella for the coup's organizers. Her twin brother, Valan, was left behind, now under the influence of the Royal Spellsayer--and presumed coup organizer--Mordach. Viella quickly discovers that she can sense some of the dark creatures approaching, but she also becomes susceptible to the book's influence while dreaming, placing her small group in additional danger. Garcia keeps readers guessing as the plot unfolds, gradually uncovering that the world is not entirely magical: portals that transport people across the world are technological, and the awakening the insurgents plan involves nanites and a printing process. The unique blend of technology and magic will leave readers eagerly awaiting the other half of this duology.

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October 21, 2024
Garcia’s ambitious Caribbean-influenced debut and duology launch kicks off when Princess Viella’s family are removed from power in a violent coup. She flees with her bodyguard, Luka, who, though resentful at having to play babysitter, is determined to protect her at all costs. As they cross kingdoms pursued by a virulent dark power, those back at court delve into both the kingdom’s history and the labyrinthine palace itself. It soon becomes clear that Viella and Luka are caught up in something more far-reaching than a simple grab for power. Garcia favors telling over showing, with worldbuilding elements—including a litany of mostly undifferentiated categories of magic users—generally discussed by characters instead of playing out in the narrative. The resulting jargon-studded prose requires repeated reference to the appendix, and even seasoned high fantasy readers will find their patience strained. However, Garcia rewards that patience with a truly compelling sci-fi twist, subverting the fantasy setting and throwing the theological premise of the story into question. It’s an occasionally wobbly but still promising start, well-suited to readers of Brandon Sanderson. Agent: Cameron McClure, Donald Maass Literary.