October 28, 2019
With capable worldbuilding and a positive look at transgender identity, Smith’s debut middle grade novel is likely to win over young fans of queer fantasy. Twins Hawke and Grayson are the grandchildren of the patriarch of House Sunderlay, a kingdom in a vaguely medieval world with a weaving-based origin story. Central to society is the Communion of Blue, a magical all-female monastic order. When one of the Sunderlay cousins stages a coup and captures the rightful heir to the throne, cousin Reyden, the twins flee for their lives. They find the perfect cover in the Communion as young initiates, where they go by “Hanna” and “Grayce.” Respectively, they study weaponless self-defense, guardianship, and how to spin the sacred blue “threads of the world,” while pondering justice and a return home. In doing so, their paths diverge: Hawke heeds a call to leadership, while Grayce discovers “This isn’t a disguise... It’s who I am.” Smith’s anime-inspired illustrations are smooth and beautifully costumed, with an open, cartoon expressiveness. If her universe doesn’t feel entirely original, it is nonetheless carefully considered, and young readers will enjoy inhabiting it. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Charlie Olsen, InkWell Management.
Starred review from November 1, 2019
A pair of twins seeks refuge--and revenge on the cousin to usurp his power. On the day of the solstice, cisgender boy Hawke and his twin, Grayce, a transgender girl, flee for their lives when their cousin Mirelle stages a coup, murdering both their grandfather, lord of House Sunderlay, and their cousin Reyden, their grandfather's rightful heir. They disguise themselves as initiates of the Communion of Blue, an order of women who spin the threads that bind the world. Grayce discovers belonging, purpose, and power with the Communion, but Hawke grows restless, eager for the chance to fight for justice. In her middle-grade debut, Smith (Crossplay, 2018) steeps Grayce and Hawke's world in immersive color. The Communion's bright blue pops, drawing the eye whenever it appears and illustrating the magical energy that entices the twins to the Communion's mysterious and mystical activities. Dynamic panel layouts, particularly during high action sequences, give the story momentum and help communicate the tone. Characters' facial expressions and body language capture the intense emotional shifts, from Grayce's excitement at learning to the stabbing sorrow of sudden loss. Grayce and Hawke have beige skin and black hair, and the supporting cast includes a diversity of skin tones. Grayce's coming-out subplot is affirming; she is met with love and support by old family and new. While the story can stand alone, the world is built with a complexity that invites further exploration and adventures. Woven with magic. (map) (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)
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November 22, 2019
Gr 4-7-Identical twins Grayson and Hawke belong to one of their city-state's ruling families. When they lose their entire family in a bloody coup, the brothers disguise themselves as girls named Grayce and Hanna and hide out in the Communion of Blue, a religious order of magical women who weave using a mysterious deep blue dye that allows them to spin the threads of reality and manipulate elements such as fire and water. Obsessed with thwarting the traitors and getting his old life back, Hawke begrudges every moment he spends as a girl. His twin also wants justice, but identifying as a girl and belonging to the sisterhood feel like home, and she's anxious to remain true to herself, perhaps for the first time in her life. Smith vividly depicts siblings who couldn't be more different yet grow together. When confronted with Grayce's true identity, Hawke accepts that she is the same twin he has always loved, and they remain two halves of an unbroken whole. Manga-esque art advances the action smoothly, and speech bubbles are expressive and well placed. The palette is integral to the story: dynamic backgrounds rely on beautifully saturated hues, including royal purples, and blue-tinged scenes portraying the order's use of magic are mesmerizing. VERDICT Children figuring out where they fit in will appreciate this stunning work that does double duty as an absorbing adventure and a gentle musing on gender identity, family, and acceptance.-Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 15, 2019
Grades 4-7 Twins Hawke and Grayson have been groomed to be noblemen since they were born, but when a coup led by a distant cousin threatens their very lives, the two think fast and go into hiding, disguising themselves as girls and joining the Communion of Blue, a temple and school for your priestesses. While Hawke yearns for revenge, Grayson embraces the change, eventually coming out as trans while finding ways to build a more suitable life for herself, perhaps a life filled with the contemplative art found in the Communion. Throughout the book, the twins' disguises are treated with respect and Grayson's growth in particular is sensitively treated. Smith offers action, intrigue, and magic along with a pair of dynamic characters who handle their circumstances in compellingly different ways, which should hold appeal for a wide range of readers. Smith's artwork, recalling classic manga, delivers clearly choreographed action and intense facial expressions, which capably communicate poignant emotion during the many bittersweet scenes. A rich tapestry of a story, with action and character development in equal measure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)