In the Vivid world of Ava Locke, magic comes from primary shades, but she’s found new colors that the ruling Benefactors feared. Now in sequel Radiant, Ava and other former students of Prism struggle to lead a rebellion and protect one another from the Benefactors. Radiant explores how a tightly knit community can grow despite tensions of betrayal from within. Ava and her friend Elm must trusts new recruits, gifted with Yellow mind-altering powers, even as they protect existing members of their movement. Ashley Bustamante’s Radiant expands the Color Theory series  palette with new characters and locales to paint a new adventure.

Best for: Lovers of light fantasy whose heroes fight a stronger foe.

Discern: Continued exploration of emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse.