About the Book
Bayern has triumphed in its war with Tira. But though the war is over, simmering anger remains among the Tirans, and new hostilities could erupt at any moment. In a desperate attempt to maintain the peace, King Geric sends an ambassador to the Tiran capitol. Of course, an ambassador needs a military guard. Razo--short, impish, and not at all skilled at combat--longs to be among those selected to go but thinks he has no chance. So he is astounded when Captain Talone taps him to join the group. He is even more astounded when he discovers the secret reason for Talone's decision. All too soon Razo is up to his eyeballs in a simmering mix of danger and intrigue--not to mention an unexpected romance. But as the gruesome deaths mount, everyone is a suspect, even the girl who has stolen Razo's heart.
About the Author :
Shannon Hale is the Newbery Honor-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Academy series, The Books of Bayern, Book of a Thousand Days, Dangerous, and the graphic novels Rapunzel's Revengeand Calamity Jack, as well as the Ever After High and Princess in Black series, and the upcoming The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl for Marvel. She also wrote three novels for adults, including Austenland, now a major motion picture starring Keri Russell. She and her husband, the author Dean Hale, have four children and live near Salt Lake City, Utah. Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea, Wales on 27 October 1914. In 1934 his first book of poetry, Eighteen Poems appeared, followed by Twenty-five Poems in 1936, Deaths and Entrances in 1946 and in 1952 his final volume, Collected Poems. He also published many short stories, wrote filmscripts, broadcast stories and talks, did a series of lecture tours in the United States and wrote Under Milkwood, the radio play.During his fourth lecture tour of the United States in 1953, a few days after his 39th birthday, he collapsed in his New York hotel and died on November 9th at St. Vincent's Hospital. His body was sent back to Laugharne, Wales, where his grave is marked by a simple wooden cross.In June 1994, his wife, Caitlin Thomas, died in Italy, where she had spent most of the years of her life after the death of Dylan Thomas. Her body is buried next to his.
Review :
[A] stirring, stand-alone adventure...The story's pace is leisurely, but Hale's accomplished writing will easily pull readers into her vividly realized world. The expertly chosen, often poetic details set and pace the story, and the fully drawn characters, whose dialogue crackles with wit, will point readers to the underlying themes of cultural prejudice and the corruption of power that touch on contemporary political debates. Suspenseful, magical, and heartfelt, this is a story that will wholly envelop its readers.
-- "Booklist (starred review)"
[In] this companion book to The Goose Girl and Enna Burning...the characters have depth, and women and men are equally talented and support one another with their skills. The settings, customs, and festivals of both Bayern and Tiran are easy to imagine. Fans of Hale's previous books will enjoy this one and will hope that there is more to come.
-- "VOYA"
A character from Goose Girl and Enna Burning takes center stage in this marvelous continuation...Hale makes profound statements about war and peace, friends and strangers, men and women, and all the different kinds of battle. Her language glimmers like firelight, like sunshine on water as she propels readers along a river of wonderful writing to the tumultuous and heart-tugging climax.
-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"
All elements join together to form an adept Tamora Pierce-like fantasy adventure-although when it comes to Hale's subtlety of description and limber turns of phrase, there really is no comparison.
-- "Horn Book"
As in the companion books, this high fantasy is rich in detail and lyrical in writing. While it helps to have read the two previous books, River Secrets stands on its own. But fans of the genre will no doubt rejoice in immersing themselves in this magical world by reading all three.
-- "School Library Journal (starred review)"
Razo, this winning novel's endearing protagonist, first brought to life as a minor character in Hale's The Goose Girl, here gets his own story...This mystery unfolds along with charming friendships among Razo and his comrades...This novel will be a special treat for readers of Hale's other two companion books, but it also stands on its own as a unique and tender coming-of-age story.
-- "Publishers Weekly"
This full-cast production makes Hale's story sparkle with snappy, humorous exchanges between characters like Razo, Enna, and Dasha, an ambassador's daughter. The cast's varied voices and spontaneous-sounding interactions add depth and drama to the production. Those unfamiliar with The Goose Good and Enna Burning can enjoy River Secrets on its own but are likely to want to search out those companion books.
-- "AudioFile"
This mystery is wonderfully written and boasts excellent character development and vivid descriptions that bring the scenery and characters of this magical land in full view...Not only is this book a reading treasure but this is a great book for affirming to teens that everyone has value and possesses many talents and qualities that can prove useful. Razo could be any undersized teen who needs reassurance and encouragement. It is a must for every school library.
-- "Children's Literature"
