Reviews

Gr 6-9-A challenging high fantasy for those who can keep straight the many details and forces, and who don't mind a good bit of violence. Clovermead Wickward, the 12-year-old daughter of a country innkeeper, dreams of adventure. When a traveling stranger comes to the inn and teaches her sword fighting, her dreams become desires. Shortly thereafter, a nun of the Lady Moon visits and reveals a vision in which the girl discovers a long-lost object. When Clovermead finds a brooch, her father is clearly upset and advises her to keep it hidden. Not long after, a bear tooth with unknown powers comes into her possession and she adds it to the leather cord she wears around her neck. These things foretell a great change in the Wickwards' lives. Clovermead learns that her father stole a gem from the ruler of a nearby kingdom. When his past crime is uncovered, father and daughter set out on a journey to undo the wrong and to find a safe haven. The trip takes them through a variety of trials, including an attack by bears during which Clovermead discovers her uncanny ability to communicate with them and her bear tooth's strange powers. The second half of the story takes on a higher intensity. The tooth draws blood and strength from its victim while making itself almost irresistible to Clovermead. She is caught up in a fierce and gruesome struggle between the nuns of Lady Moon and the evil followers of Lord Ursus and must decide which of the forces deserves her loyalty. The map of the Lands of Lady Moon is very useful. Excellent characterization and a well-developed story make for an intricate and action-packed adventure.-Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

As Randall's debut novel opens, 12-year-old Clovermead Wickward is leading a quiet life with the innkeeper Waxmelt as father and daughter. The author creates a compelling bond between the two, as well as an appealing setting when knights still went on pilgrimage and a fine feast made a day's toil worthwhile. But Waxmelt is not the man she believes him to be. He has stolen something of great value from the monarch Lady Cindertallow, and he has been hunted for years by a follower of the dark Lord Ursus, Snuff who put Waxmelt up to the task and was betrayed by him. When fearsome Snuff stumbles upon the inn, Clovermead and Waxmelt must take to the road to escape. The author puts an interesting twist on a familiar plot device: after a skirmish with Snuff, Clovermead comes to possess the bear tooth he wears as a necklace, a relic of the bear-priests of Ursus. The talisman begins to speak to her, exuding a narcotic effect on her soul and turning her into a creature with bloodlust literally sprouting fangs and fur. The attraction of Lord Ursus's power becomes more credible as Clovermead comes to the realization of the depth of her betrayal by the adults around her, but at times her inner struggle between good and evil grows convoluted, and several characters' changes of heart come abruptly. Still, this is a writer to watch, and fantasy buffs will get enjoyment from the fast-paced plotting and the turn of events at the end. Ages 12-up. (June) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.