Reviews

Gr 6-9-A masterful sequel to The Wind Singer (Hyperion, 2000). The city of Aramanth, having experienced five years of peace, is attacked and its people, including Bowman Hath and his family, are taken as slaves to the city of the Mastery. The 15-year-old's twin sister Kestrel is separated from them, but eventually meets up with Bowman, and they use a combination of magic and cunning to overthrow the Master. Political intrigue, magical power, and quiet humor will keep the pages turning as readers follow the adventures of the heroic twins, but at the heart of this tale is an exploration of slavery, freedom, and destiny. Bowman's struggle to convince his people, who are well treated and content, that slavery is inherently evil is truly chilling, while his sibling's dealings with the desire, greed, and navet of Very Important People can be hilarious. Every character, from sensible Kestrel to the larger-than-life Master to a cat that is determined to fly, is compelling and full of life. Readers won't need to have read the first book in the proposed trilogy to fully enjoy this one, but they will certainly clamor for the third.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

PW called The Wind Singer a "highly imaginative debut YA novel" in the trilogy that follows twins Kestrel and Bowman through the dystopian city of Aramanth, and their separation and eventual reunion after the city is destroyed. Ages 10-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.