We Are Mayhem

November 15, 2018

Cade and Kira are each waging war against an evil empire that has overtaken most of the known galaxy in this second installment in the "Black Star Renegades" series. Kira's small team strikes at the heart of the empire in her birth city, from which she escaped when young and where her father is still in control of the evil empire. Cade is trying to master the superweapon, Rokura, which came into his possession when his brother was killed, a victim of the other claimant of the weapon, Ga Halle. Cade's former teacher, Percival, whom he doesn't truly trust, has taken him to a legendary world to learn the secrets of the original paragon of truth and justice. But some secrets should remain hidden. VERDICT Virtuous but flawed characters who take on enormous, hopeless odds feature in this story that is perfect for anyone who enjoys "Star Wars" and quests of good vs. evil told in scenes alternating between quiet moments and pitched battles.--Elizabeth Masterson, Mecklenburg Cty. Jail Lib., Charlotte, NC

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 8, 2018
In this stirring sequel to Black Star Renegades, reluctant hero Cade Sura and Kira Sen, the heroic daughter of a Praxian overlord, fight to expand their rebellion following a surprise victory against the evil Praxians. Although Cade has the legendary weapon called the Rokura, he doubts his ability to wield it without falling under its control. As he agonizes, the villainous Ga Halle plots to take it for herself. While Kira sets off on a secret mission that brings her face-to-face with the father who betrayed her and her mother, Cade seeks a way to learn more about the Rokura and its ancient maker, the mysterious Wu-Xia. Moreci’s story wears its antecedents proudly, from the Star Wars–crawl–style opening and flashback prologue to the talk of controlling mystical energies by truly knowing oneself. The novel is an even blend of high-energy battle scenes and trenchant moments of character interaction as heroes dive into “fighting for what believe is right.” Returning readers and fans of intrigues and battles will enjoy this brisk space adventure series.

March 1, 2019
Moreci's second novel in his Black Star Renegades series (Black Star Renegades, 2018) is even more compelling than its predecessor: action packed and funny, with more emotional resonance. We Are Mayhem deepens established characters' relationships and explores how they inhabit their world. The narrative follows two alternating story lines?Cade, searching for answers to help him control the Rokura, and Kira, leading the rebellion against Praxis. Each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger, and there are several surprise reveals and an unexpected ending. Though occasionally the novelty of Moreci's characters and ideas outpace his unsophisticated writing style, readers who are hooked will be eager for the next installment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)