Enjoyed this novel very much. It's the first fantasy novel I have seen written for teens based on an African type theme. I think this is much needed within our culture today. My thirteen year old son loved it as well. The story was entertaining, interesting, and well written. I was facinated by the world Bomani and Farra lived in and would love to see this book as a film. It pushes you to use your imagination in creating a fantasy world with endless possiblities. Who doesn't love a little adventure and magic. With each passing task the characters barely make it through there is another one waiting to be overcome. I also enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters. It's rare to not find a great male and female relationship without there being a romantic attatchment and I appreciated that about this book. I was invested in Bomani and Farra. I would love to see this writer creating more wonderful stories to enjoy.
Deja

This is a hard review to write. I found this to be the most difficult and challenging book I have ever read. Cynthia\\\'s writing is fantastic and beautiful, and confusing at times. She has a way of describing events, people, details, and more that I am not used to. This I appreciated. But unfortunately this brilliant writing was about a story that was so disturbing and dark that I found myself crying and wanting this book to end many times. Just when I thought it could not get any worse for Ruby, she proved me wrong. I will definitely look for more from this author because she clearly has a gift for writing. I am hoping her next read will be a more uplifting and inspiring story. And by the way, my book club agreed.