August 15, 2024
Two teenagers are determined to stop monsters from wiping out humanity. The blitz, short for blitzesser (or lightning eaters in German), are dragonlike creatures with strong electromagnetic fields. They caused a major blackout and have terrorized humans into hiding. Sixteen-year-old Cassie lives in a forest camp with other survivors, relying on her strong intuition to keep her safe from the blitz. Miles away on the prairie, 16-year-old Thomas, left alone after his dad's death and armed with a book on mythical creatures, hitches a ride west with Danica, a truck driver who's determined to bring hope to survivors. When the teens' paths cross, their destinies become closely intertwined. To stop the blitz from eliminating the people who remain, they'll have to deal with enemies both human and otherwise. Magic abounds in this post-apocalyptic tale of an otherworldly invasion. Kirchmeier draws on folklore and legend to populate the world with mythical beings from various cultures. Themes of destiny, dreams, and intuition round out a well-paced story of survival. The worldbuilding is excellent when it comes to the mythical creatures, but weaker when depicting the human beings who are left on a battle-scarred continent, and some interesting scenarios, such as a cult of religious scavengers, would have benefited from more robust descriptions. Most characters are cued white. A dark look at a post-apocalyptic, magic-filled world.(Dark fantasy. 13-17)
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October 1, 2024
Gr 7-10-In this postapocalyptic book, teens Thomas and Cassie struggle to survive after a mysterious cataclysm has wiped out most of the population. The duo lives in constant fear of the Blitz, terrifying dragonlike creatures that emerge enshrouded in lightning, bringing destruction and death with each appearance. Despite the grim setting, the novel is imbued with a strong theme of hope. It emphasizes that even when it feels like all is lost, there is magic and wonder to be found. The novel's strength lies in its dual narratives, providing unique perspectives from Thomas and Cassie. This narrative technique beautifully illustrates how fear can be transformed into a sense of marvel at the world around them. The friendship between the protagonists is a central pillar of the story, highlighting how mutual support and connection help them remain resilient amidst chaos. Kirchmeier skillfully balances tension and wonder, making the book an engaging journey through a perilous yet enchanting world. This title is not just about survival but also about finding light in the darkest of times, making it a must-read for young readers. VERDICT Filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of romance, this compelling read will capture the interest of teens and tweens.-Jessica Calaway
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 12, 2024
After electricity-dampening dragon-like monsters dubbed the blitz invade Earth, society is in ruins and survivors live in fear of sudden death from above. When the last of his family dies, 16-year-old Thomas heads west in search of rumored safety and is picked up by trucker Danica, who claims to be hauling hope—proof that the blitz can be killed—on her truck’s flatbed. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Cassie, who possesses supernatural intuition, travels with a group of refugees whose leader Bones plans to defeat the blitz by stealing and studying one of their eggs. When Cassie and Thomas meet, they discover that their missions and destinies are inexplicably entangled. Separately and together, they must avoid the blitz, deal with human predators, and unravel the mystery behind the myriad other supernatural creatures appearing in the wild. Kirchmeier (The Absence of Sparrows) hits the ground running in this propulsive adventure set in a devastated, near-deserted world stripped of comforts, conveniences, and safety, populated by desperate survivors and strange mythologized creatures. Constant tension permeates the white-cued leads’ intimate-feeling alternating first-person perspectives. Ages 13–up. Agent: Ali Herring, Spencerhill Associates.