October 1, 2017
Gr 5-8-Long ago, the North and South were separated when the Bridge of the Gods was destroyed in a battle between two mountain brothers. While the North retained its magic, the people of the South began focusing on technology and lost their ability to communicate with the forest-except for a select few who are "known" to the animals. The year is now 1908, and 12-year-old Chloe has always felt connected to the animals of the forest. When her father passes away and her mother becomes ill, her greedy uncle kidnaps her and tries to sell her off as a maid. With a bit of luck and the help of her animal friends-Shakespeare the rat and a talking horse-and some kind humans, Chloe tries to understand her connection to animals, solve the mystery of the new hospital where everyone is unconscious, and prevent a war that is brewing between humans and animals. Rios creates a fascinating world that mixes history and fantasy through descriptive language and vivid imagery. Short chapters help move the steadily paced story along. VERDICT Readers will eagerly await the next installment; a solid purchase for libraries with robust fantasy collections.-Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ
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