Forging Silver Into Stars, by Brigid Kemmerer

For as long as closest buddies Jax and Callyn can remember, magic has been forbidden in the country of Syhl Shallow in the fantasy novel Forging Silver Into Stars, by Brigid Kemmerer. They previously adored tales of mighty magesmiths and legendary scravers who could summon fire or manipulate ice, but they have now discovered that magic only brings peril because it was magic that killed Callyn's parents and left her to care her younger sister on her own. Jax's leg was broken in an accident for which his father has already been tormenting him ever since, but magic was unable to heal. When the officer calls and threatens to seize their properties if they can't afford what they owe, magic won't be able to save either one of them.

Kemmerer creates fantastic YA fantasy novels that never fail to pull at my heartstrings. You name it—her writing, her characters, etc. The Cursebreaker show continues to be my favorite series for the time being, but this turned trilogy now has the capacity to do the same.

You might expect a love triangle involving Jax, Callyn, and Tycho in this book, which has three points of view. However, let me allay your fears: if you've read the Cursebreaker story arc, you already realize Tycho, who was 15 at the time and is now 19; as the King's courier, he frequently moves among both Rhen through Emberfall and Grey in Syhl Shallow. 

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library