To Clutch a Razor

In bestseller Roth’s equally emotional and action-packed second Curse Bearer fantasy (after When Among Crows), series hero Dymitr contends with the consequences of his actions. Once a monster-hunting Knight of the Holy Order, Dymitr doomed himself to life as a zmora, a creature that feeds on human fear, when he gave up his prized bone sword to Baba Jaga. Baba Jaga agrees to give back Dymitr’s sword, but only if he completes a horrifying task: killing 33 Holy Order knights, his own kin. Dymitr balks and seeks a workaround, hoping that stealing a spell book from his family home will be enough to appease the witch. The death of his uncle gives Dymitr the perfect excuse to return to Poland, despite his apprehension about facing his family. His friend Ala tags along apparently to help Dymitr with his quest, but really for secret reasons of her own. Meanwhile, Niko—Dymitr’s love interest and a strzygón, a creature that feeds on anger—travels to Poland in hopes of killing a Knight known as “The Razor.” As the trio’s tasks become intertwined, Roth ratchets up the stakes—with bloody consequences. Roth’s darker sequel maintains the seamless worldbuilding of the previous book while giving each member of the main trio a distinct and well-developed character arc; probing themes of intergenerational trauma, familial duty, and morality; and setting the stage for the finale. It’s impressive work. (Sept.)