The Chainbreakers

Twelve-year-old Violet Moon is next in line to become a Reaper like her father, who captains the Mooney, a magical boat that's used to rescue souls--or "Passengers"--from the Children of the Shark, ghosts that steal spirits wading in the Tides of the Lost. Their latest mission goes awry when her father is abducted by the Children of the Shark, an unprecedented event which triggers the passing of his duties to Violet. As the new captain of the Mooney, Violet must earn the respect of her crew and peers, who mourn the apparent death of her father. Yet Violet, who doesn't believe that he's dead, determines to sail the Mooney to the Depths to find him. But opposition from her first mate and an organization comprising myriad powerful figures called the Chainbreakers Council, as well as brewing unrest among the Reapers and Passengers, complicate matters. Randall (the Pilar Ramirez duology) introduces a large cast of memorable and fiercely protective characters to ferry this swiftly moving tale. Lush worldbuilding depicted via swashbuckling prose encapsulates a propulsive fantasy adventure that entertains while sparking thoughtful discussions about grief, legacy, and revenge. Violet's father has brown skin. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A magical high-seas adventure led by a strong girl with a powerful message of hope. 

Gr 4-8-As a Reaper, Violet sails with her captain father on the Mooney to help rescue passengers (souls who've died at sea) from the Children of the Shark, also called Pointers. The Reapers descended from the original Chainbreakers who fought the Chainmakers with the help of their gods, a battle called The Storm at the Edge of the World. The Chainmakers, who captured and enslaved people, were cursed by the gods and became ghost sharks, living beneath the waves on the Tides of the Lost. The Chainbreakers established new homes under the Atlantic Ocean in the enchanted underwater world known as the Tides of the Lost, on five islands they called heavens. Violet's father gets taken by the Pointers on one voyage to rescue passengers, but she's sure he's still alive in the Depths. As the new captain of the Mooney (her father gave her his magic before diving overboard to rescue Violet's dearest friend, Moss), Violet wants to rescue her father, but this will require locating the one person who's been to the Depths and survived and convincing the other Reaper captains to join in on the dangerous mission. The action and strong emotion running through the story make for a compelling read. Themes related to the power of home and freedom and teamwork shine through the well-written text. VERDICT A fresh new fantasy for readers who enjoy feisty, brave protagonists doing what they feel is right with heart and humor.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Long live the Chainbreakers! A fantastical, mind-blowing adventure. . . Violet and her friends don't just smash barriers; they'll win over your heart, too." —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times-bestselling co-author of The Sun and the Star

"A breathtaking, magical saga. Readers of all ages will find a place in their hearts for Violet Moon and her ragtag found family in this moving tale that's as poetic as it is swashbuckling." —Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times-bestselling author

"A magical high-seas adventure led by a strong girl with a powerful message of hope." —Kirkus Reviews

"A propulsive fantasy adventure that entertains while sparking thoughtful discussions about grief, legacy, and revenge." —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Pilar Ramirez

"A breathtaking journey through a world teeming with fantasy and history." —Kwame Mbalia, New York Times-bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series

"Randall takes history and myth and weaves a tight fantasy that is as funny as it is poignant. This novel is sure to delight and awe." —Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award Winner

* "Magic awaits around every corner in Zafa. Nonstop action and plenty of heart create a story worth escaping into." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "An undeniable page-turner." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Incredible voice that jumps right off the page. Pilar is the hilarious hero we need right now." —Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times-bestselling author of Ghost Squad