In Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville's The Sigil, we meet Lake, who idolized his brother and was everything he aspired to be. Brilliant, clever, successful. So when tragedy strikes, Lake's world is torn apart in more ways than he can imagine. Through his grief he encounters a secret his brother had been harboring; another world within their own, one where magic is real. Lake found his brother's invitation to a special school, and with Dev lost, his parents in mourning, and no prospects of his own, Lake decided to accept the invitation in his brother's stead. Little did he know what he was getting into. His presence caused a stir, and things not seen for a long time began to emerge, threatening the existence of both worlds.

Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville's The Sigil is a gripping urban fantasy suitable for new adults and older. In places, this well-devised novel reminded me of a cross between the TV series the Magicians, and Earthsea. Lake, a boy unaware of magic's reality, is taken to a secret school for those who have the necessary genes to use faeri. Through his first-person perspective, coupled with Nova's, the reader is thrust into an imaginative world of magic, mayhem, and danger. Within this escalating plot is also a tale of friendship and healing, deception and betrayal. The characters are well created, with deep, unique, and vivid personalities. There are scenes that will move you to tears, and surprises in store that will leave you amazed. Whimsical, magical, and moving, The Sigil will appeal to a wide range of fantasy lovers, especially those who enjoy character-driven plots.

The Sigil: A Novel by Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville is a story that focuses on two very strong yet vulnerable young adults as they take a gamble at life. Nova is gifted, but she isn’t really appreciated in her community so she is not sure where she belongs. However, that is enough to give her the boost to work harder and make a name for herself. But when her life is interrupted by someone she wasn’t expecting, things don’t go to plan. On the other hand, adopted into the perfect family, Lake couldn’t have asked for a better family. However, when tragedy hits him right where it hurts the most, Lake doesn’t know where he belongs. When Nova and Lake meet, they realize that together they can find the answers they are looking for. Can they make it work?

Very interesting and well-written, The Sigil: A Novel by Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville is an incredible novel and I believe it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. You can easily find little pieces of yourself in Lake and Nova; they are universal characters that make you feel comfortable and understood. They wear their hearts on their sleeves; they make you understand them on a personal level and you cannot help but cheer them on. I was invested in their stories, I needed to know more about them and I absolutely enjoyed their reactions. They make a great team too; they aren’t the most compatible but somehow they work really well together. The plot is amazing and it flows well. I hope the authors are planning on making this a series because this is a great story.

The Sigil is an exciting and action filled book about a gay boy of color who is sucked into a dangerous world of magic. An excellent read.

This book is a must read! The suspense kept me on edge from literally beginning to end. Would most definitely recommend to someone looking for an action filled book that will keep you guessing!