Cruel Illusions

Starred review from October 24, 2022
Eighteen-year-old, white-cued Ava Perry and her younger brother Parker, California natives, are living in yet another foster home in this ethereal re-imagining of the vampire mythos. In the 10 years since their mother’s murder, Ava has strived to protect Parker by keeping the details behind their magician mother’s death a secret, namely that she was killed by a vampire and that Ava’s been training as a vampire hunter ever since. When she discovers a group of magicians performing magic similar to her mother’s—and learns that they are also hunting vampires—she decides to join their troupe. But to prove herself worthy of their resources, she must compete against other potential apprentices in a deadly tournament that puts her and Parker’s lives at risk. In this beguiling examination of good, evil, and myriad in-between tones, Fuston (Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things) challenges a vengeful teenager’s preconceived notions in uncomfortable ways and centers the importance of family—both chosen and otherwise—via a highly introspective narrative and well-developed queer and racially inclusive cast. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Rees Literary.