The Demon Sword Asperides

The demon sword Asperides, a sentient weapon, has spent the past 300 years physically pinning his most recent wielder, the dark knight Amyral Venir, inside a sarcophagus, when Asperides feels Amyral's soul mysteriously vanish. Asperides is soon drawn from his physical resting place by 13-year-old Nack Furnival, a disgraced knight-in-training seeking a heroic quest that will redeem him to his family of accomplished swordfighters; the only thing he needs is a virtuous angel blade. Asperides conceals his demonic nature and offers Nack a deal: he can wield Asperides, but in return, Nack must forfeit his soul to Asperides upon his death, to be used as a means of restoring the sword's power. Boy and sword forge an unlikely partnership, fighting evil across the kingdom. But even as the two gain helpful allies and discover what it means to be true heroes, Amyral's villainous might grows stronger, and Asperides dreads the day they'll be forced to face him. Employing thoughtful subversions of classic fantasy tropes to explore themes of good vs. evil and the power of change, Horwitz (The Dark Lord Clementine) crafts a clever adventure that is at once humorous, thrilling, and touching. Human characters read as white. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Literary. (July)

The Demon Sword Asperides has been enjoying his retirement in the underworld, hard-earned after centuries of reaping the dark souls of those who wielded him in life. So he is not thrilled to feel the tug of his last master, infamously evil Amir Venir, whose mortal body Asperides's physical sword form has been keeping pinned securely to its tomb. Newly risen, Venir sets out on the search for his soul, and Asperides uses deceit and magic to find help to stop him. Coming to his aid are Nack Furnival, struggling to find his path to knighthood after being cast out; young necromancer Cleoline, undead Venir's aide who realizes too late the terrible force she's let into the world; and seer Sister Dawn Therin, who works with the two to understand the world-altering prophecy she's been handed. Their personal quests culminate in the final attempt at stopping Venir. Unlikely heroes abound, along with plenty of wit, humor, and thrills. The characters drive this story, including the darkly hilarious talking sword who is a great foil to the honest and good Nack. This magical quest book is more likely to work as an independent read for stronger readers at the lower end of middle grade. VERDICT A good next read for fans of Cressida Cowell and Jessica Townsend, recommend this one to fans of funny fantasy with a setting that rings of medieval Europe.—Jill Shepard