Publisher's Weekly Review
Black is a fresh new voice who pays respect to the classics of SF in this enjoyable adventure debut. The mighty defenses of Ninth City stand together with the remaining cities on Earth to protect humankind in a centuries-long war against an alien race. Black takes care to represent each stratum of the war-focused Earth: advanced societies in the cities, outpost towns that exist only to supply the war effort, and the marginalized "unincorporated" people who live beyond the protection of the cities. And he creates memorable characters, including the powerful human fontani (who are few but vital to the magic/technology hybrid weapons) and a factory worker drafted into the Legion, to inhabit his thrilling scenarios. Though the array of protagonists slows the pacing and the exploration of the strategy and magic systems diverts too much attention from the main plot, the details eventually come together in a fascinating world. Given this strong foundation, readers can expect more thrilling adventures from this new author. Agent: Kirby Kim, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Fans of Ender, Harry Potter, Starship Troopers, and manga-style armored mobile suits will find Black's debut the perfect ticket to a fantastic new world. Earth has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for 500 years, fighting an alien race that uses an unstoppable destructive power called thelemity. When it was discovered that certain individuals had the same ability and could use it to defend the planet, everyone was encouraged to support the war effort, no matter their station or upbringing although some do not accept what they have been told. An elite military academy was established to prepare future soldiers, and at long last, humanity believes they may be winning. But, of course, the enemy changes strategy, and those training to defend the planet along with others drafted unwillingly into service are suddenly facing a desperate last stand. It will be up to an unlikely band of novice warriors to come together and save the human race. This thrilling kickoff to an action-packed series will appeal to those who enjoy science fiction mixed with fantasy.--Lockley, Lucy Copyright 2016 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Generations after Earth has been attacked by an unknown alien force, the world is a different place. Most cities were instantly destroyed by the invaders using an element known as "thelemity," and human survival depends on a few who can wield this power as well. In the intervening centuries, those who use thelemity are sought and put into military service. But while the surviving cities lead the ongoing war efforts, the rural settlements resent being employed as a supply source of resources and soldiers. Two young sisters from the unincorporated wild country are dragged into the conflict. -This intriguing debut falters under the weight of too many first-person points of view, some with dialog that is awkward in its efforts to replicate teenspeak. VERDICT While the melding of sf aliens and a reality-altering magic are unusual, thelemity seems too much like plot device superglue. [See Eric Norton's "Genre Spotlight" -feature, p. 24ff.-Ed.]-MM © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.