Warlocks of the Sigil: A Refreshing YA Fantasy
YA Fantasy seems so formulaic these days. Very particular tropes and themes permeate the genre, and don’t get me started on the necessity of love triangles.
Well, enter WARLOCKS OF THE SIGIL, the first novel by Peri Akman. It follows the adventures of a young man named Quinn, ward of a warlock named Kole. The story begins when Quinn is nearing his final days at a magic academy. Right there, we’re breaking away from the “magic academy” trope of YA fantasy and leaving the drama of school behind. Within the first few pages, Quinn and Kole leave the school, never to see it again.
Together, they embark on adventures across the realm, unlocking Quinn’s powers, fighting monsters, banishing demons. It’s all a lot of fun. And as the story tumbles together haphazardly, you begin to realize how important each moment throughout the tale truly is, unveiling the complex turmoil within the minds of every character, whether its Quinn, Kole, or the other individuals who appear throughout.
In particular, WARLOCKS delves deeply into the implications of mental health in a world of magic . . . especially a world where magic users are exploited and sometimes outright abused. Themes of power, control, and helplessness abound throughout, especially when it comes to personal self-realization. When turning the story toward the real world, Peri Akman correctly critiques the idea of traditionalism, emphasizing that simply because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do it. In a world where magic users are feared and thus outcast from regular society, the magic users themselves sometimes assist in perpetuating the system of power oppressing them.
Given the current state of affairs in our country, I think quite a few people could connect with the fear of branching toward an unknown world even while recognizing the systems their actions inadvertently support.
So if you’re looking for a refreshing YA Fantasy, look no further than WARLOCKS OF THE SIGIL. It’s a solid tale, with every line of dialogue dripping with wit and character. You’ll leave the book wanting more, yet feeling absolutely satisfied with the entertaining tale you’ve read.
Writing: 8/10. Quality writing, you can’t ask for more plain yet creative English in crafting a magical narrative such as this one.
Character: 10/10. Seriously, you can literally see the care injected into the lives of every character on the page. Each has their quirks, values, and hidden traits, making you love each one in their own way.
Setting: 7/10. Creative setting, though nothing in particular stood out as fantastical or original in its own right. The setting isn’t what was important for this tale, though.
Plot: 7/10. The pieces of the plot, while mostly there throughout, don’t fall together fully until the final moments of the story. Good and a bad thing . . . throughout, you want to see the final destination of the tale, but it’s difficult to predict where it might go.
Overall: 8/10. A solid four-star review, though in my mind I’d lean it more toward 4.5 stars. I’m a pretty harsh critic generally toward YA stories. I’m quite intrigued by where the sequel takes Quinn next!
