Maelstrom’s mother has conquered the kingdom, but now there’s nothing for Maelstrom to do. There’s no resistance, everyone’s too afraid to question their new ruler, and Maelstrom is bored. Until a new hero makes it into the inner castle and Maelstrom comes up with a plan to release the captive and cultivate a false relationship that will end in betrayal and the ultimate rival fight. At least, that’s what he thinks he wants until he gets to know the hero, Twigs, and her companions and family. Twigs has her own secrets that she’s hiding and isn’t sure how much to trust Maelstrom and his magic. But together they make a good team, and that’s hard to ignore.
This story asks, “What if?” to a variety of sword and sorcery tropes, including the chosen one, enemies to friends, and hidden royalty. This combination makes the story more fun and interesting by presenting the trope as conventionally used then subverting is as the story progresses and the reader becomes more attached to the main characters and the outcome of their friendship. I think the brightly colored, cartoonish illustrations matched perfectly with the tone of the story and the humor presented throughout. This would make for an excellent book club selection for teen readers or could be a shared reading experience between parents and their middle grade children. Otherwise, it would be an excellent addition to any public or high school library.
Maelstrom A Prince of Evil
By Lorian Merriman
Henry Holt Holt Books for Young Readers, 2024
ISBN: 9781250822833
Publisher Age Rating: 12-18
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13)
