ISBN: 0-312-86958-4 Order from: Amazon.com
A rather simplistic and abrupt style leaves little enjoyment in reading this conventional juvenile fantasy.
Reviewed by David on February 12, 2000
Genre: Fantasy (Juvenile, ESP)
Synopsis: Elspeth Gordie is a telepath in the post-technological society scarred by a great catastrophe and terrified of the evils of technology and radiation-induced mutation. The rigidly ruling Council ferrets out and executes all potential rebels, heretics and mutants. Classified as a borderline case, the teenage protagonist is sent to a remote mountainous work camp, where mysterious events and ambitious masters conspire to murder misfits even faster than the rough conditions of labor.
Desperate to hide her talents, Elspeth is poised between trust and fear as she looks for a way to survive, escape, and even find friendship. However, her animal friends and the circumstances are pressing her to use her talents to take a role in preventing a catastrophe looming over her friends and her enemies alike.
Full Review: While many of the juvenile fantasies use a simplified plot, this book errs on the side of streamlining. Abrupt in how the events move the plot, the novel allows little sympathy or appreciation for the complexity of positive characters, much less appreciation of the monochrome opponents. At the same time, there is litle wonder or beauty that is achievable with the genre. One would be hard-pressed to look forward to the next installments in the apparent series.
Overall: 4.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 4; Style: 4; World-building: 5; Originality: 4;
Copyright date 1999, Tom Doherty Associates (Tor), September 1999, Cloth, 253 pages
ISBN: 0-312-86958-4 Order from: Amazon.com