The Fever King

The short blurb bit: The first thing I want to write is that “The Fever King” is going straight onto my list of best books of 2019. Yes, I’m that confident. I read a lot of books, always have, and when I read one that has an original concept … presented in a way that I absolutely love – it makes me a little giddy.

The descriptive bit: The book begins with sixteen-year-old Noam Álvaro. He lives in the USA of the future, an immigrant whose family fled outbreaks of a magical virus. Yes! A virus that spreads magic… but the kicker is most people don’t survive. The people who manage to survive the magical fever and wake up become “Witchings”.

Noam works at a small store and volunteers his time at a refugee center. He’s a show more self-taught computer whiz and hacker and uses his skills to fight for refugee rights. Noam lost his mother when he was young and his father is now unreachable… so Noam’s beliefs and his work are his way of getting by day-to-day.

Then everything changes. Very early on in the book, Noam heads home to find his father and neighbor ill. He soon realizes that there’s a viral outbreak… and he has been infected.

The next thing Noam knows he is waking up and being drawn into a very different world. Noam survived the virus. He’s a witching. And the Nation of Carolinia wants him to work for them. Immersed in a new world, Noam struggles to maintain his ideals while learning that things may not be what he’s always thought they were.

My thoughts bit: There are a few things that I love about this book. Let me start with the description of how the “Witchings” use their magical powers. I loved Lee’s premise that magic is based on an underlying knowledge of science. For instance, if you want to master the power of telekinesis you must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, matter, gravity etc. (Trust me when I say this is wonderfully written, I’m not doing it justice in my summation). I fell in love with the idea that even though one could be granted the potential to perform magical acts, that like many other things it had to be learned.

The second thing that I found quite moving in this novel was the relationship between Noam and Dara. This is not a book for readers who want to read about a relationship that progresses quickly and for that I was truly grateful. The interactions between Noam and Dara swing between tolerating each other and inexplicably drawn together. The reasons for their connection and the friction between them become clear towards the end of the novel, but you know I’m not going to give it away. The way they care for each other is as complex and convoluted as the world they live in.

This was one of those books that I couldn’t stop reading. The end … good GRIEF. I’m telling you, I’m already clicking around like mad on the internet to find out when I can preorder the second book! yes. It’s a series. (If you could see the smile on my face as I type that).

The warnings bit: There are some mentions of abuse (power imbalance and physical), substance abuse (self-medicating), statutory rape. show less

trigger warnings: rape, death and violence against refugees.

i read it for the gays, i stayed for the gays and everything else.

I really really enjoyed this one. Not gonna lie I added it to my tbr for the lgbtq rep and it did deliver on that part, you're on a journey of pain and angst. but oh, it is so worth it!

I can surely say that I've never read anything like this in my life. Victoria Lee has another fan to add to her list.
Even though science and technologies are out of my comfort zone, i didn't struggle too much to understand the world building.
Naom, our main character, is a bisexual jewish latino boy, and bonus point: antihero!

I really appreciated the bisexuality rep, it's always nice to see a character fighting against the biphobic show more stigma of "so you're gay" and them replying "i'm not gay, i'm bisexual, it's different"

HELL. TO. THE. YES.

The characters were so well made, I couldn't help but care about them. And even the ones we're not supped to root for are incredibly structured and interesting.
I appreciated all the different kind of relationships, healthy and unhealthy, platonic and romantic. Every single one of them gets stucked in your brain and heart like it's always been there.

I hope we'll see more of the secondary characters in the sequel though! Especially Ames.

also if you need a bonus from the author herself: "Literally every character in The Fever King is queer. All of them. Fight me." show less

Definitely more of a 4.5.

CW: mention of past suicide, drug use, pedophilia, abuse

I bought this book immediately upon its release but never got around to reading it, though I never had any concrete reason not to. It was probably the hype or the fact that it was sci-fi that made me a bit skeptical but I don’t think I ever doubted that I wouldn’t like it. But now that the release date of its sequel is near, and I’m trying to reduce my huge owned tbr by atleast a bit, I decided it was time to pick it up and it completely blew my mind.

I have to mention that my interest in the book went up by many notches when I listened to a couple of panels attended by the author Victoria Lee at the Baltimore book festival. I was left very impressed show more by their conviction to create worlds which are queer normative, where marginalized people get to be full fledged characters with the color of their skin or sexual/gender orientation is only one part of their identity and where they get to do all the things that usually white cis het characters get to do in science fiction. And the author very well succeeds at that endeavor in this story.

Immigration and refugee crisis form the crux of this story - how countries which are built upon the principles of equal rights can forget their roots due to corruption, fear and manipulation; the Carolinia First ideology in the book was too real and scary to contemplate because we see it playing out in front of our eyes everyday; how the inhumane treatment of refugees results in catastrophes and countries end up blaming it back on them, resulting in a vicious cycle that only leads to more abuse and even deaths of refugees. The author also showcases the affects of long term abuse in a very visceral manner, which just made me feel more helpless.

I had been trying to read a couple of adult fantasy books but was finding myself not at all able to follow their style of writing, so when I finally decided to pick this up and had reached 30% of the book before I even realized it, I understood why I love YA SFF so much (and also that’s it’s ok to not want to read outside my comfort zone). The writing is easy to follow, the pacing is a bit on the slower side, and while I knew what the endgame was supposed to be, I couldn’t truly understand the big picture. There is a layer of mystery and uncertainty throughout, we are never sure who to trust or who might be the villain, which country is the big bad - and I think the author did an amazing job keeping that suspense till almost the end. The world building is not very expansive but we are able to glean what is necessary for the story from historical documents interspersed between chapters and other small infodumps. We also don’t really get to know all the possible magical abilities and the consequences of using it too much, but I really enjoyed the abilities of the main character. And wow that ending. I found the book very interesting but it was the tension filled last few chapters and that absolutely heartbreaking ending that has made this a favorite.

Noam is a survivor - a child of undocumented immigrants who knows what living in poverty means, he lives through his mother’s suicide and his father’s complete catatonic state and ultimately surviving alone during a virus outbreak. Even being accepted into the government’s elite magical training and being the powerful defense minister’s protégée is not enough to make him forget his roots or the anger he feels towards the government which is directly responsible for the inhumane plight of the refugees. His determination to fight for their rights and use all his new found abilities to take down the establishment from the inside is very admirable. But he is also sixteen, naive and an idealist, justifying to himself that sometimes bad things have to be done for the greater good. He is such a complex character with flaws and we get to know all sides of him, making us want to root for him whole heartedly while also hoping that he doesn’t go down too dark a path. It’s really been a while since I’ve read such a character and I tip off my hat to the author for writing him.

I really have no words to describe Dara except maybe a tortured soul. He moves in the world with a carefree mask on his face, only showing his true vulnerable side in little moments, struggling to tell anyone about all the secrets he is protecting, all the while also trying to work on his amazing magical abilities. We never get to read his POV but as a reader we can tell that he is suffering and just want to hold and comfort him somehow.

Noam and Dara’s relationship is not something that develops steadily through communication like in other books. It’s depicted in small moments of tenderness, affection, anger, helplessness and everything in between and it was so beautiful to read. Whatever the flaws in each of their characters, they are selfless in their love and I can’t reiterate enough that the ending broke my heart.

Lehrer is a fascinating character who I still can’t describe properly without giving away the plot. Just trust me when I say that nothing is at it seems and it was both enjoyable and uncomfortable to read about such a person. There are a few others with magical abilities in the story and while I enjoyed the scenes that Noam or Dara shared with them, no one really left a big impression on me. I really hope we get more fleshed out side characters in the future.

To conclude, I already had expectations going into this book but it really surpassed them. If you enjoy character focused YA sci-fi stories with a diverse cast, with a post apocalyptic world that also feels close to our own political reality, a story where you don’t know who to trust - then this book is perfect for you. I’m completely devastated after that end but I also have hope, and because I’m too impatient to wait, I’m going to pick up my arc of the sequel right this moment. show less

I did not based my five-star rating based on the heavy gay theme which goes against all of my personal beliefs. I based it on how well it was written, had a great plot and actually did make me feel protective of the characters trying to do good in an evil world. I could appreciate broken characters of any sexuality searching for love, though. We all need love. I usually don't read Science Fiction, but I truly loved this book. It was interesting to read how the author explained how various magical inventions worked based on scientific principals demonstrating the author's cunning mind. The action grows slowly. Little excerpts of information are provided that build toward this wonderful plot of saving those who are oppressed. The show more characters are so carefully displayed, yet concealed, to make you wonder the whole time: Who REALLY is the good guy and the bad guy? How far is too far to do terrible things in the name of the greater good? I have to admit that I see a glimpse of myself in the main character Noam, who is determined to fight for the underdog (in this case, the immigrants) and is willing to not back down from taking risks to do so. I have always pulled for people to have their rights, despite race, creed or sexuality. The ending is such that I am satisfied. It does leave the reader wondering what will happen next. I can easily visualize a Part 2 to this book. I won't say how, avoiding spoilers. It will be interesting to see if someone turns this into a movie. show less

The Fever King is first in Victoria Lee's Feverwake duology. I got this book as part of the Kindle Firsts program, and am really glad it's the book I chose! It was a timely read too, given the themes of contagion, and immigration. This is an alternate timeline of our world, where a pandemic of massive proportions has decimated the global population. Those who survive end up as 'witchings', able to use magic. Our focus is in the former United States, on the countries of Carolinia and Atlantia.

Noam is caught up in an outbreak and the lethal protocols to wipe it out. He wakes some time later in a 'red ward' where he'd been expected to die. When tested, Noam proves to be powerful, strong enough to be sent to straight to Level 4 for show more training. His presenting power is technopathy, which is fairly rare. Noam quickly learns he can make use of his new position to get information to the Atlantian refugees to help them gain proper rights, and not be deported back into a severe contagion zone. But Noam isn't the only Lvl 4 cadet with a secret agenda.

It took me a bit to get into Fever King, but once I did, I devoured it! I loved the LGBTQ rep that was slipped in as simply an aspect of personality. It doesn't dwarf other aspects of who and what the characters are. The concept of magic sparking from contagion was fascinating. The subsequent magic holocaust was expected, though I always hope 'humanity' will prevail. People are, after all, animals and few animals like change or difference. That genocide is in the past, thankfully, so we get it from records. Noam, however, lives through not only getting sick, but having the entire area he called home utterly eradicated to stop the spread of the virus. Which I'd say seems like overkill, but the descriptions of the virus at work make me think of ebola. So, mass killings are a part of the Carolinian way, even though they aren't biased against witchings.

I'm hoping more about the initial overthrow of the United States by Lehrer's group shows up in the next book! I'm really curious. I can't say I *like* Lehrer himself though. He comes across as a sociopath. Also, how is he using magic to prolong his life?? Noam is adorable. He's still young, and while not sheltered at all, he does come across as naive at times. It was Dara who became my favourite though. He's older, and a ward of Lehrer's, but he's clearly broken and hurting. I want to show him he's worth safety, security, and love. Recommended!!

***I received a free copy of this book as part of the Kindle Firsts program. show less

The short blurb bit: The first thing I want to write is that “The Fever King” is going straight onto my list of best books of 2019. Yes, I’m that confident. I read a lot of books, always have, and when I read one that has an original concept … presented in a way that I absolutely love – it makes me a little giddy.

The descriptive bit: The book begins with sixteen-year-old Noam Álvaro. He lives in the USA of the future, an immigrant whose family fled outbreaks of a magical virus. Yes! A virus that spreads magic… but the kicker is most people don’t survive. The people who manage to survive the magical fever and wake up become “Witchings”.

Noam works at a small store and volunteers his time at a refugee center. He’s a show more self-taught computer whiz and hacker and uses his skills to fight for refugee rights. Noam lost his mother when he was young and his father is now unreachable… so Noam’s beliefs and his work are his way of getting by day-to-day.

Then everything changes. Very early on in the book, Noam heads home to find his father and neighbor ill. He soon realizes that there’s a viral outbreak… and he has been infected.

The next thing Noam knows he is waking up and being drawn into a very different world. Noam survived the virus. He’s a witching. And the Nation of Carolinia wants him to work for them. Immersed in a new world, Noam struggles to maintain his ideals while learning that things may not be what he’s always thought they were.

My thoughts bit: There are a few things that I love about this book. Let me start with the description of how the “Witchings” use their magical powers. I loved Lee’s premise that magic is based on an underlying knowledge of science. For instance, if you want to master the power of telekinesis you must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, matter, gravity etc. (Trust me when I say this is wonderfully written, I’m not doing it justice in my summation). I fell in love with the idea that even though one could be granted the potential to perform magical acts, that like many other things it had to be learned.

The second thing that I found quite moving in this novel was the relationship between Noam and Dara. This is not a book for readers who want to read about a relationship that progresses quickly and for that I was truly grateful. The interactions between Noam and Dara swing between tolerating each other and inexplicably drawn together. The reasons for their connection and the friction between them become clear towards the end of the novel, but you know I’m not going to give it away. The way they care for each other is as complex and convoluted as the world they live in.

This was one of those books that I couldn’t stop reading. The end … good GRIEF. I’m telling you, I’m already clicking around like mad on the internet to find out when I can preorder the second book! yes. It’s a series. (If you could see the smile on my face as I type that).

The warnings bit: There are some mentions of abuse (power imbalance and physical), substance abuse (self-medicating), statutory rape. show less

The short blurb bit: The first thing I want to write is that “The Fever King” is going straight onto my list of best books of 2019. Yes, I’m that confident. I read a lot of books, always have, and when I read one that has an original concept … presented in a way that I absolutely love – it makes me a little giddy.

The descriptive bit: The book begins with sixteen-year-old Noam Álvaro. He lives in the USA of the future, an immigrant whose family fled outbreaks of a magical virus. Yes! A virus that spreads magic… but the kicker is most people don’t survive. The people who manage to survive the magical fever and wake up become “Witchings”.

Noam works at a small store and volunteers his time at a refugee center. He’s a show more self-taught computer whiz and hacker and uses his skills to fight for refugee rights. Noam lost his mother when he was young and his father is now unreachable… so Noam’s beliefs and his work are his way of getting by day-to-day.

Then everything changes. Very early on in the book, Noam heads home to find his father and neighbor ill. He soon realizes that there’s a viral outbreak… and he has been infected.

The next thing Noam knows he is waking up and being drawn into a very different world. Noam survived the virus. He’s a witching. And the Nation of Carolinia wants him to work for them. Immersed in a new world, Noam struggles to maintain his ideals while learning that things may not be what he’s always thought they were.

My thoughts bit: There are a few things that I love about this book. Let me start with the description of how the “Witchings” use their magical powers. I loved Lee’s premise that magic is based on an underlying knowledge of science. For instance, if you want to master the power of telekinesis you must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, matter, gravity etc. (Trust me when I say this is wonderfully written, I’m not doing it justice in my summation). I fell in love with the idea that even though one could be granted the potential to perform magical acts, that like many other things it had to be learned.

The second thing that I found quite moving in this novel was the relationship between Noam and Dara. This is not a book for readers who want to read about a relationship that progresses quickly and for that I was truly grateful. The interactions between Noam and Dara swing between tolerating each other and inexplicably drawn together. The reasons for their connection and the friction between them become clear towards the end of the novel, but you know I’m not going to give it away. The way they care for each other is as complex and convoluted as the world they live in.

This was one of those books that I couldn’t stop reading. The end … good GRIEF. I’m telling you, I’m already clicking around like mad on the internet to find out when I can preorder the second book! yes. It’s a series. (If you could see the smile on my face as I type that).

The warnings bit: There are some mentions of abuse (power imbalance and physical), substance abuse (self-medicating), statutory rape. show less