Ivory and Bone

April 4, 2016
Eshbaugh debuts with an exciting and unusual adventure with an emphasis on the power of storytelling, set in a prehistoric past. Seventeen-year-old Kol is next in line to become the High Elder of his clan, but without any girls of marrying age, the clan may die out. When Mya’s clan arrives, Kol is immediately drawn to her, but she proves elusive, even aloof, perhaps owing to past friction between their clans. Kol’s father encourages the clans to mingle, but the appearance of a girl named Lo sets off a harrowing chain of events, throwing the clans into upheaval and Kol’s heart into turmoil. Eshbaugh tells the story through Kol’s voice, and it’s immediately revealed that he’s recounting it to a wounded Mya, who asks him to tell her about the “most startling and marvelous day” of his life. Building Kol and Mya’s beautiful, dangerous world takes some time, but once Eshbaugh’s story finds its footing, it provides a fascinating setting for the love triangle between Kol, Lo, and Mya, as simmering tension between the clans builds to a terrifying and poignant climax. Ages 14–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary.

In this first audiobook of a new trilogy, a small clan in the Arctic faces a number of challenges to its way life. As the oldest son and the group's future leader, 17-year-old Kol will be critical to its survival. Kol's sensitivities, insecurities, and pride are unfolded by Michael Curran-Dorsano as the young man tells the story herein to a young woman who also play a critical role in their future, The audiobook format is particularly well suited to the second-person point of view. Curran-Dorsano adopts the earnest tone of a young man who is aware of his role in the clan's future and is anxious to prove himself. His pace is quick, with an air of impatience at times and a halting reluctance at others. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine