The Chainbreakers
Julian Randall
(Author)
Description
In this action-packed fantasy, thirteen-year-old Violet Moon must rescue her father and save her enchanted underwater world—perfect for fans of The Marvellers and Tristan Strong series.
All Violet Moon has ever wanted is to be a Reaper captain like her father. Born on the Tides of the Lost, a magical world beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Violet has spent her life at her father’s side rescuing souls lost in the water.
But when a rescue mission turns to disaster after the arrival of the dreaded Children of the Shark, weaponized ghost-sharks who steal the souls for themselves, her father is seized and pulled down into the darkness of the Depths. With no choice for Violet but to inherit the captain's powers and helm the ship as the next in line, it'll be up to her to save her father—if he even still lives—and stop the Children of the Shark before they devour the world.
"A fantastical, mind-blowing adventure. . . Violet and her friends don’t just smash barriers; they’ll win over your heart, too." —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times–bestselling co-author of The Sun and the Star
Product Details
| Publisher | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) |
| Publish Date | September 03, 2024 |
| Pages | 272 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Hardback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781250882028 |
| Dimensions | 219.7 X 5.8 X 22.9 mm | 0.8 pounds |
About the Author
Julian Randall is a Living Queer Black poet from Chicago. His poetry and essays are published in New York Times Magazine, POETRY, and Vibe. He is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize. Julian holds an MFA in Poetry from Ole Miss. His first book, Refuse, won the Cave Canem Poetry Prize and was a finalist for an NAACP Image Award. Julian has previously worked as a youth mentor, teaching writing workshops to children on house arrest. He is the author of the Pilar Ramirez duology, The Chainbreakers, and Shook.
juliandavidrandall.com
Reviews
A 2025 CBC Librarian Favorites Winner
Finalist for the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Prize in Youth Literature
"Long live the Chainbreakers! A fantastical, mind-blowing adventure. . . Violet and her friends don’t just smash barriers; they’ll win over your heart, too." —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times–bestselling co-author of The Sun and the Star
"A breathtaking, magical saga. Readers of all ages will find a place in their hearts for Violet Moon and her ragtag found family in this moving tale that’s as poetic as it is swashbuckling.” —Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times–bestselling author
"A magical high-seas adventure led by a strong girl with a powerful message of hope." —Kirkus Reviews
"A propulsive fantasy adventure that entertains while sparking thoughtful discussions about grief, legacy, and revenge." —Publishers Weekly
"A rich fantasy that will speak to those fascinated by mythology." —Booklist
"Julian Randall is masterful at creating vivid, magic-filled, fantastical worlds that leap off the page." —Dominican Writers Association
"A fresh new fantasy for readers who enjoy feisty, brave protagonists doing what they feel is right with heart and humor." —School Library Journal
"...will likely inspire readers." —BCCB
Praise for Pilar Ramirez
"A breathtaking journey through a world teeming with fantasy and history." —Kwame Mbalia, New York Times–bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series
“Randall takes history and myth and weaves a tight fantasy that is as funny as it is poignant. This novel is sure to delight and awe.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award Winner
* "Magic awaits around every corner in Zafa. Nonstop action and plenty of heart create a story worth escaping into." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "An undeniable page-turner." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Incredible voice that jumps right off the page. Pilar is the hilarious hero we need right now." —Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times–bestselling author of Ghost Squad
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