The Fallen Star

Gr 7 Up—Billy's life would be easier if he, Lexi, and Kurt hadn't magically slipped into Kiranok, a goblin city carved into a mountain in a parallel world. At home in San Francisco, he'd be stressing about school. In Kiranok, Billy Smith, the newly crowned king, worries about saving his people from extinction in the war against their human Hanorian enemies, and skirting assassination attempts by three rogue goblin wizards. His previous tormenter, star quarterback Kurt, has become a loyal ally, fighting alongside goblin soldier Hop. And Lexi is learning how to wield her fire magic, giving Billy another weapon in his arsenal. Unfortunately, the Hanorians have more wizards, a larger army, and a ruthless agenda. The newest installment in the trilogy picks up where The Goblin Crown left off, alternating among six viewpoints with a tenacity that was not quite as fluid in book one. Cliff-hangers and bad luck abound, compelling readers ever onward to a chilling ending that will leave them impatient for the final installment. Characters are fleshed out in greater detail this volume, giving their conflicting feelings and actions more heft. Wolfe's world-building and connection with his characters feel almost effortless, and the book includes appendices reminiscent of The Silmarillion.