May 1, 2022
In this sequel to Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom (2021), the Kikiverse is grappling with yet another curse: Will Kiki be able to harness her magic in order to save the day a second time? Kiki is back to living her regular life in London after closing the tear in the Kikiverse when Lej suddenly appears in her bedroom saying Mysore is in trouble once again--the Kaveri River has disappeared, and everyone in Mysore will soon be wiped out if their water source is not restored. Kiki agrees to return and help out. Reunited with all her friends, she tries to harness her powers within the realm of this universe, which came to life through the art in her sketchbooks, only to realize things have changed, and her old approach will not work. Mandanna explores Kiki's mental health in more detail in this book, referencing a combination of medication and therapy to cope with anxiety. Kiki has a strong character arc in which she goes from self-doubt to fully embracing her flawed self. Kiki finds her way to understanding that the things we create never fully belong to us once we release them into the world. Readers get to see Kiki rewrite her own story and find nuanced ways of understanding how her mind works. Those unfamiliar with Kiki's story will find this novel accessible but will gain more from having read the previous book. Kiki is of South Indian and Scottish descent. Enchanting and deeply captivating. (Fantasy. 8-13)
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