From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 A workmanlike tale of a youngster trying to find his way. In the Estorian tribe, each boy must listen for a Story from Beyond and then shape it to tell at his coming-of-age ceremony at age 12. Dominique has nothing to tell when the time comes and he is banished, to return in a year with an appropriate story or face execution. So begins his journey, which is fraught with perils from crazy women, incubi, and yagabonos. It ends with a convenient opening for the sequel. Dominique is not an appealing main character; for most of the book he comes across as a sniveling failure. His supporting cast has wooden or pale personalities, making it difficult to keep up with all the names that bounce in and out of the narrative. Predictably, the young protagonist has run-ins with all the creepy creatures he's been warned against and the sketchy telling in between the big scenes results in an episodic feel. Despite the fact that the rules of the society that Tate creates seem to be overly complicated, she fails to fashion a land readers can imagine visiting, let alone inhabiting. For a story of a boy looking for his future, recommend Lloyd Alexander's Taran Wanderer (Yearling, 1969). For a tale where the youngster becomes a hero, try Elizabeth Winthrop's Castle in the Attic (Holiday, 1985). -Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Boulevard Magazine, November/December, 2001
... this novel is fun to read. The plot is filled with conflicts and complications.... buying the next book [is] mandatory.
