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list price: $9.95
edition:Paperback
category: Young Adult Fiction
published: Mar 2007
ISBN:9781551434810
publisher:
Orca Book Publishers
Description
After his guardian dies, Maurey is reduced from student to unpaid servant at his grammar school and bullied because of his black hair and eyes, which make him look as if he is related to the sorcerers who once inhabited the island. When it is discovered that Maurey is indeed a descendent of one of those sorcerers, or Nightwalkers, he is sentenced to be burned alive. He and his young rescuer flee for the Nightwalkers' hidden kingdom. Any reader who enjoys otherworld fantasy, or just a good adventure story, will not be able to put this book down.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Short-listed, SYRCA Snow Willow nominee
- Winner, Ann Connor Brimer Award
- Commended, CCBC Best Books
- Commended, OLA Best Bets
- Long-listed, YALSA Quick Picks
- Commended, VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror List
Editorial Reviews
"The book is fantastical - set in medievalish worlds, with magical beings - but it is also quite realistic in the telling. Characters use magic as a tool, but they are forced to struggle and work for their goals, and magic does not become a prop to them. I really enjoyed this book."
— Mad Tales blog
"The vaguely medieval fantasy past…gives [Johansen] a chance to use both her background as a medieval scholar and her fascination with The Lord of the Rings."
— Quill & Quire
"All I can say is WOW!...Amazingly well-developed and imagined...intelligent and witty."
— TeensReadToo.com
"The fast-paced adventure, compelling characters and conflicts that make sense will reward readers of this fully-realized fantasy."
— Booklist
"Johansen has created a world and a cast of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with."
— Resource Links
"Fantasy fans who favor rich settings are likely to find [the main character's] quest through dangerous landscapes...compelling."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Remarkably easy to get into and straight-forward. The characters of Maurey and Annot were interesting and relatable, and I liked the book’s theme of acceptance."
— Amy's Marathon of Books blog
"Johansen creates an elaborate world populated by complex characters...Readers will look forward to the sequel."
— VOYA
"A fast-paced adventure story...The main characters are multi-dimensional and should appeal to readers of either gender. Highly recommended."
— CM Magazine
"Filled with pathos, humor and plenty of action, this should satisfy most YA fantasy readers...Sure to bring requests for the next in the series."
— KLIATT
Out of print
This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.
