Wallace, Kali. Hunters of the Lost City. Fiction. Quirk, 04/2022. 297pp. $16.99. 978-1-68369-289-8. ADDITIONAL. GRADES 5-9.
Twelve-year-old Octavia grew up believing that her walled town of Vittoria is the only one left after a devastating magical war and plague. One day while outside the town walls and fighting off magical stone creatures, she discovers they are not alone. Octavia yearns to discover more about the world and encounters many obstacles doing so, especially from those in charge of Vittoria and the townsfolk who feel safe as things are. Wallace’s characters (ethnically indeterminate) are believable, and the medieval setting easily combines with the magic and intrigue of the past to make readers wonder about what may happen even after the story ends.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library