YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter

A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter.

Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023, 704 pages.

Set following the Inheritance Cycle, Paolini focuses on Murtagh and his dragon Thorn, now living as fugitives. A cryptic hint has sent them on a quest for answers that proves increasingly dangerous as the story progresses. With lots of fantasy violence and a good deal of remembered trauma, this will best be enjoyed by teen readers who want more stories from the world of Eragon. The ending promises more adventures, Paolini is not done with this world. Ages 15 and up.

Overall Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 3

A Darkness at the Door by Intisar Khanani. Snowy Wings Publishing, 2022. 474 pages.

Rae’s adventures, begun in The Theft of Sunlight, ended with a cliff-hanger. Having discovered a magical child-trafficking ring, the story finished with Rae, wounded and captured before she was able to unveil the traffickers. This is where A Darkness at the Door begins, and yes, it is a darker tale. Rae is a determined force, yet the odds seem overwhelming. Still, friends and kindness in unexpected places aid her quest for justice. And maybe, just maybe, romance might be blooming. This is a fantasy book that engages with hard issues. While Rae finds her way to a happy ending, one choice she articulates along the way does not align with a Christian worldview that sees children as a blessing. Ages 16 and up.

Overall Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Wind Daughter by Joanna Ruth Meyer, Page Street YA, 2022. 352 pages.

In the world of Echo North, the North Wind’s daughter is growing up. Satu loves her family. She loves their quiet life. But venturing beyond home? That is too much for her crippling anxiety. When a strange darkness threatens her home and takes her family, Satu begins an unwilling journey, aided by a mysterious, unlikely guide. Meyer’s storytelling is lyrical, and Satu’s world (as well as her painful anxiety) comes to life. As with all Meyer’s stories, there is some romance, but this time it is twisted into time. My favorite part? A mysterious encounter with a Maker. Ages 15 and Up.

Overall Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4.5

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: *Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende (a starred YA fantasy series)
• A Review: Two Excellent YA Fantasy Sequels (in the world of fantasy follow-ups!)
• A Resource: Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)

We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a commission. Read more here.