Starred review from September 4, 2006
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. Now a confidante of Queen Isi, Razo was originally a simple forest boy whose major skill is using a slingshot to hunt squirrels. Short in stature and low in confidence, he is asked to join a mission of peace between his own kingdom of Bayern, and the enemy kingdom of Tira. Razo is then selected to become a spy because of his unassuming nature and powers of observation. He soon discovers that traitors in the Tiran army are trying to re-ignite the war, literally, by leaving charred remains of bodies—an act they hope to pin on another envoy from Bayern—Razo's friend Enna (from Enna Burning
). This mystery unfolds along with charming friendships among Razo and his comrades, who lovingly tease him when he is the last to realize he has fallen in love with Dasha, the striking orange-haired daughter of the Tiran ambassador to Bayern, and has grown in height as well as self-assurance. 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. Ages 12-up.
Starred review from October 1, 2006
Gr 6-10-A companion to "The Goose Girl" (2003) and "Enna Burning" (2004, both Bloomsbury). Enna and Isis friend Razo is small and bullied; he has always considered himself pretty useless, so he is thrilled to be chosen as one of a hundred Bayern soldiers accompanying an ambassador on a peacekeeping mission to the Tiran capital. Tirans lost the war with Bayern, largely due to Ennas forbidding ability to burn people, and their army was shamed. When Razo discovers burned bodies, he first fears that Enna has reneged on her promise to stop using her powers, then realizes that she isnt guilty. In this part mystery, part coming-of-age story, Razo learns why he is so important to the kings mission. He befriends Lady Dasha, the daughter of the ambassador who was sent in exchange to Bayern. Like Enna and Isi, she is a young woman with elemental powers. The burner is exposed and captured; peace is assured, as is the romance between Razo and Dasha. Hales portrayal of a group of extremist Tirans for whom war is sacred and putting ones life in peril is honorable connects the storys medieval folkloric setting with todays news in a chilling way. 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."Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.