Author: Susan Maupin Schmid
ISBN: 978-0-399-24460-5
169 pages
Philomel Books, 2008 edition
This book was on a sort of 'featured' table at the public library near my family's house (which is about 45 minutes away from my home in Seattle) and the cover design and jacket looked interesting enough for me to try. I know the mantra "don't judge a book by its cover" should be ringing in my ears, but old habits die hard.Description:
This is a tale of the planet of Lindos, a world of ancient cultures and deserts of red sand dunes. The story revolves around a young girl named Violynn, whose parents have disappeared after a trip to a famed archaeological site. Violynn is highly suspect of the Arbiter, the powerful ruler of her planet in the disappearance of her parents and a recent break-in at her home. The Arbiter invites her to a masquerade ball and the Coil, a mysterious and powerful figure, also begins to show interest in Violynn. What is so special about her that two of the most powerful beings on her planet have all the sudden become very interested in Violynn? It turns out that some of her father's belongings possess some very powerful information; information that in the wrong hands could prove deadly. It is up to this one 12-year-old girl to save the fate of her planet and to find her parents.
Review:
This book is a strange blend of sci-fi, fantasy and a sort of pseudo-mystery book and, to me, is reminiscent of the works of Ursula K. LeGuin (albeit for children). The length of the book isn't too daunting or unnecessary (like many works of sci-fi/fantasy) yet there is no sacrifice in characters depth or plot development. The mix of genre's and the futuristic technology of the Croon (the ancient civilization) was enough to keep me interested, but the kids will probably relate more to the protagonist Violynn. Although nothing spectacular in terms of breaking new ground, this was a pretty fun book that is recommended for fans of sci-fi/fantasy.
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