With capable worldbuilding and a positive look at transgender identity, Smith's debut middle grade novel is likely to win over young fans of queer fantasy. Twins Hawke and Grayson are the grandchildren of the patriarch of House Sunderlay, a kingdom in a vaguely medieval world with a weaving-based origin story. Central to society is the Communion of Blue, a magical all-female monastic order. When one of the Sunderlay cousins stages a coup and captures the rightful heir to the throne, cousin Reyden, the twins flee for their lives. They find the perfect cover in the Communion as young initiates, where they go by "Hanna" and "Grayce." Respectively, they study weaponless self-defense, guardianship, and how to spin the sacred blue "threads of the world," while pondering justice and a return home. In doing so, their paths diverge: Hawke heeds a call to leadership, while Grayce discovers "This isn't a disguise... It's who I am." Smith's anime-inspired illustrations are smooth and beautifully costumed, with an open, cartoon expressiveness. If her universe doesn't feel entirely original, it is nonetheless carefully considered, and young readers will enjoy inhabiting it. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8--12. Agent: Charlie Olsen, InkWell Management. (Jan.)

A pair of twins seeks refugeand revenge on the cousin to usurp his power.On the day of the solstice, cisgender boy Hawke and his twin, Grayce, a transgender girl, flee for their lives when their cousin Mirelle stages a coup, murdering both their grandfather, lord of House Sunderlay, and their cousin Reyden, their grandfather's rightful heir. They disguise themselves as initiates of the Communion of Blue, an order of women who spin the threads that bind the world. Grayce discovers belonging, purpose, and power with the Communion, but Hawke grows restless, eager for the chance to fight for justice. In her middle-grade debut, Smith (Crossplay, 2018) steeps Grayce and Hawke's world in immersive color. The Communion's bright blue pops, drawing the eye whenever it appears and illustrating the magical energy that entices the twins to the Communion's mysterious and mystical activities. Dynamic panel layouts, particularly during high action sequences, give the story momentum and help communicate the tone. Characters' facial expressions and body language capture the intense emotional shifts, from Grayce's excitement at learning to the stabbing sorrow of sudden loss. Grayce and Hawke have beige skin and black hair, and the supporting cast includes a diversity of skin tones. Grayce's coming-out subplot is affirming; she is met with love and support by old family and new. While the story can stand alone, the world is built with a complexity that invites further exploration and adventures.Woven with magic. (map) (Graphic fantasy. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Twins Hawke and Grayson have been groomed to be noblemen since they were born, but when a coup led by a distant cousin threatens their very lives, the two think fast and go into hiding, disguising themselves as girls and joining the Communion of Blue, a temple and school for your priestesses. While Hawke yearns for revenge, Grayson embraces the change, eventually coming out as trans while finding ways to build a more suitable life for herself, perhaps a life filled with the contemplative art found in the Communion. Throughout the book, the twins' disguises are treated with respect and Grayson's growth in particular is sensitively treated. Smith offers action, intrigue, and magic along with a pair of dynamic characters who handle their circumstances in compellingly different ways, which should hold appeal for a wide range of readers. Smith's artwork, recalling classic manga, delivers clearly choreographed action and intense facial expressions, which capably communicate poignant emotion during the many bittersweet scenes. A rich tapestry of a story, with action and character development in equal measure.--Peter Blenski Copyright 2019 Booklist