Starred Review Combining her skills at coordinating large casts of believable and distinct characters with imaginary worlds that feel very lived-in and real, Chee offers a novel that examines the kaleidoscoping effects of trauma and violence on seven teenage warriors (none of whom is male) struggling to find purpose after "kindling" warfare e use of their elite magical skills on the battlefield s been outlawed. In Chee's twist on the 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai, these retired teenage soldiers' wanderings converge in the small town of Windfall, which is under increasing threat from the ruthless raiders advancing across the countryside. The seven kindling can choose to use their power for good, but not without consequences, and they must each confront the trauma they have faced in order to make their decision. Graphic and explicit violence and abuse impact every character, and readers should know that parts of the narrative are very heavy de even more so, perhaps, by the second-person point of view putting the reader in the shoes of each character. A thorough and gut-wrenching exploration of finding reasons to move forward after devastating loss and darkness and how community and connection can breed hope that will linger with readers long after the last page.

Gr 10 Up— What happens when all you've ever known is outlawed? The kindling, elite magic-wielding warriors, torn away from their families at age five and trained to fight and die as child soldiers, find themselves without a future since the war ended. Out of touch with society, seven kindling begrudgingly band together in their nation's countryside to help a small village defend themselves against ruthless raiders. While this fight reignites their instinctual purpose, each kindling must battle their own demons if they wish to succeed in much more than a village's final stand. Chee pays tribute to the iconic film Seven Samurai with a reimagining in which seven soldiers (all female and nonbinary) struggle with the broken promises their country raised them on. In a story that neatly balances eight perspectives, each kindling is unique, highlighting the fallout of the choices made by the powerful that are championed by those with no other choice. The second-person narration quickly builds empathy and understanding for the characters as it's implied that readers are fellow kindling. In true Chee fashion, the story turns a tale of seven soldiers' final battle to one of seven human beings evaluating the hopes, dreams, and future they've lost. The kindling's experiences ultimately mirror today's teens finding their place in the world; choosing what they'll fight for and standing with loved ones despite the uncertainty. VERDICT A heartrending, must-read fantasy about youth searching for home and learning to survive a world not designed for them.— Emily Walker