Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing world-building powers delightful space fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As THE ALCAZAR opens, Sera, Leo, Agnes, and Vada are impatient to head off to Braxos, the location of the tether between two worlds. Complicating things is Leo and Agnes' grandmother, the formidable Ambrosine, who has her own agenda. Meanwhile, in the City Above the Sky, the High Priestess consolidates her power, while Sera's best friend Leela experiences visions that reveal that Sera is still alive. Will the silver-skinned girl find her way back home without destroying two planets?
Is It Any Good?
Space fantasy proves to be an odd mix of genres, but this interplanetary magical adventure features some clever world-building. In The Alcazar, author Amy Ewing sustains the level of suspense she brought to the saga's initial volume, The Cerulean. She has also created a cast of diverse and interesting characters, plus a few new ones, especially Agnes and Leo's overpowering grandmother, the Ambrosine. Ewing executes a couple of neat plot twists and saves some revelations until the final chapters. There are a couple of minor slow spots, but not enough to derail the intricate plot. Readers will feel they get their money's worth, and many will put Ewing on their list of writers to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Alcazar depicts a planet without men. How do matriarchies work here on Earth?
Why do people become homesick? What can they do to feel better about being away from where they grew up?
Does The Alcazar offer an accurate portrayal of LBGTQ issues? What struggles might the characters find in this imaginary world?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : May 3, 2020
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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