Rhiannon

December 1, 2007
Gr 6-9-This historical novel with some elements of fantasy meanders through a multithreaded plot, but it has strong character development. Rhiannon, her mother, and grandmother live atop a steep bluff in 12th-century Wales. They have become nurses to the hopeless cases of the village below. The invalids include, at various times, a girl who was injured by a blow to the head, a man who sleeps without waking, and a man who lost his leg in a cart accident. The story revolves around the murder of a young man near the river bank; it examines how the characters react and are affected by it. Joining them is a young oblate who takes an interest in the healing women and the accused murderer, who is one of their charges. Eventually the truth wins out, and justice is served within the context of the times. Pacing is a little slow, but the writing is lovely, and the story will appeal to students who enjoy medieval settings or historical fiction. Some elements of magic may broaden its audience, but this book is most likely to appeal to historical fiction readers."Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2007
In twelfth-century England, 14-year-old Rhiannon stands on the edge in so many ways. She lives near the Welsh border on a bluff overlooking the sea. Those around her profess Christianity but continue ancient Celtic practices. And she herself wavers on the threshold between childhood and womanhood. For years, Rhia, her mother, and her grandmother have kept themselves apart, living in poverty and caring for injured, ill, and orphaned outcasts from the nearby town. But when one of their charges is falsely convicted of murder, Rhia ventures into the larger community in an effort to save him. While slowly building an unusually detailed and convincing medieval setting and a cast of memorable characters, Grove defines two intertwined mysteries and sets Rhia on a perilous path toward their solution. Bits of historical fact are integrated into the carefully constructed plot, but the most engaging aspect of the writing is the fine portrayal of even minor characters. Class distinctions are evident, but nobility of spirit and baseness of conduct run across class lines in this vivid historical novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)