Magic will transform you. Power could destroy you. Actions will define you.
Kiera Vandyer told herself she’d only agreed to this scheme for the money, that nothing else had drawn her to this venture, but you can’t lie to the truest parts of yourself. For sixteen years, she’s hidden her burning curiosity for magic, knowing that one misstep would mean certain death at the hands of Atterah’s merciless leaders: the all-powerful Ruling Board.
Just when Kiera is on the cusp of securing a stable future for herself and her mother, a cruel twist of fate forces her to commit the worst possible infraction. She trespasses over the border into Etabon, the last refuge for magic on Atterah. Once within, her rare form makes her a target for the warden of the site. To escape the warden and conceal her crime from the Ruling Board, Kiera must use her strange new powers to battle for her freedom… or die trying.
The Last Refuge is the enthralling first novel in the Stealing Sanctuary series, weaving together the destinies of two dreamers caught up in a dark curse that spans generations. Enter a world of gripping adventure where love burns slowly, family is chosen, and hope is a dangerous yet beautiful dream.
When she tries to skirt the rules to improve life for herself and her single mother, a student named Kiera on the “withering” planet of Atterah is thrust into a gladiatorial style magical competition in this coming-of-age fantasy, Bacilieri’s promising debut and the kickoff to a series. When the draconian Ruling Board unexpectedly opens the gates to Etabon, the only place left on the planet where magic remains, in advance of a grand festival, Kiera thinks she’s only helping her well-off classmates sneak up to the borders. But the truth is someone else is scheming to get her out of the way. Soon, she’s thrust unwittingly past the borders of the magical realm, a transformative act—she finds herself whiskered and “covered in midnight fur.” Forced to agree to a magical bargain with the ethically dubious warden of Etabon, Kiera must fight in the arenas to generate magical energy.
Despite the magic, animal-shifting, and vivid sense of both dystopia and wonder, Bacilieri’s cast and their motivations feel relatable and well-grounded as Kiera and company fight not just to protect themselves and each other but to retain their humanity and morals in the face of a brutal system. Characterization is strong as Kiera, ensnared by those who would use her, finds friends and allies in Etabon bold enough to take a stand amidst increasing danger, chief among them the charming Attalin, long separated from her family, first encountered here tending bar among mermaids and sirens.
Pacing is brisk, rewarding readers with twists, thrills, high-stakes deal-making, moonlit elk rides, and a charming touch of Sapphic romance. Bacilieri honors and sometimes upends genre expectations, and her creatures, spells, and mysteries are crafted with clear love. Kiera makes for an eminently likable heroine whose strength comes largely in her kindness, creativity, and determination, and she surrounds herself with others who exemplify these qualities despite challenging circumstances. This is a strong pick for YA fantasy fans looking for a magical new adventure.
Takeaway: Engaging fantasy of animal-shifting, facing injustice, and kindness.
Comparable Titles: Sarah Rees Brennan’s In Other lands, Rachel Vincent’s Menagerie.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
“Bacilieri honors and sometimes upends genre expectations, and her creatures, spells, and mysteries are crafted with clear love… Pacing is brisk, rewarding readers with twists, thrills, high-stakes deal-making, moonlit elk rides, and a charming touch of Sapphic romance.”
— BookLife
“For a debut novel, THE LAST REFUGE bodes well for Christina Bacilieri’s future work—not least this promising YA fantasy saga. The novel’s prose is assured, with vivid world-building, strong characterization, and a very well-paced plot.”
— IndieReader
“Bacilieri’s novel is fast-paced and wildly imaginative, which results in a consistently compelling read…A suspenseful adventure that will engage readers to the final page.”
— Kirkus Reviews
