Ava Locke’s greatest desire is to be a Benefactor helping protect Magus. In this land, primary colors power magic and Benefactors protect the world from users of dangerous shades, such as Yellow. She is months from graduating and fulfilling her dreams when her carefully colored world is doused in new colors. What if the world isn’t as simple as red, blue, and yellow? What if the world is a rainbow? Ashley Bustamante’s Vivid paints a world built on secrets and carefully controlled color palettes. Are certain colors and powers inherently good as others are evil, or is the world a vibrant riot to be enjoyed? Ava is forced to look carefully at each color as she works through the consequences of each pigment’s power.

Best for: Lovers of light magical fantasy that explores friendship, romance, and trust.

Discern: Several instances of emotional manipulation and gaslighting.