River Secrets

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.

Razo thinks he's been asked to be part of an elite soldier's mission out of pity. In fact, though he's incompetent, small, and nondescript, Razo is also an observant-but-unnoticed spy. His captain hopes he'll discover who's attempting to re-spark the Tiran-Bayern war by burning bodies. Is it Razo's friend, Enna, whose ability with fire is legendary? This full-cast production makes Hale's story sparkle with dialogue and snappy, humorous exchanges between characters like Razo, Enna, and Dasha, an ambassador's daughter. The cast's varied voices and spontaneous-sounding interactions add depth and drama to the production. Those unfamiliar with THE GOOSE GIRL and ENNA BURNING can enjoy RIVER SECRETS on its own but are likely to want to search out these companion books. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine