Angel Isle

Starred review from October 29, 2007
For the right reader—one who is able and willing to fall in with its stately pace—this novel marks a welcome return to the lavishly imagined lands Dickinson first mapped in The Ropemaker
. Twenty generations have passed and once again the Valley and, as it turns out, most of the surrounding Empire are in dire need; only a quest undertaken by a woman of the Urlasdaughter family with an Ortahlson man can produce a magician able to help. This time around, the predestined pair is Saranja, who grew up determined to flee her family’s heritage, and easy-going Ribek, who would just as soon stay at home and work his mill. Accompanying them, and providing the point of view from which most of the tale is told, is Saranja’s orphaned cousin Maja, whose extreme sensitivity to the presence of magic gives this story an inward, contemplative focus that mostly compels but occasionally veers into self-indulgence. With its imaginative shape-shifting, worlds within worlds and stories within stories, this tale seems to tap into a body of lore that has always existed. High adventure calls: Dickinson treats readers to visions of flying horses, fearsome demons and the twin Ice-dragons who preserve the balance of the planet. A luxuriant exploration of the nature of magic, storytelling and love. Ages 14-up.

November 1, 2007
Gr 7-10-In this sequel to "The Ropemaker" (Delacorte, 2001), Dickinson's well-constructed fantasy world is rejoined 20 generations into the future. The magical Ropemaker is now trapped in a parallel universe, unable to prevent the evil Watchers from retaking control of the Empire. "Angel"'s prologue is identical to the epilogue of the earlier book: Maja, Saranja, and Ribek set off to find the Ropemaker so that he can protect their Valley. Along the way they learn more about the history of the mysterious man. Ultimately, what makes "Angel" compelling are the relationships among the main characters, particularly Maja's love for the much-older Ribek. As with "Ropemaker", the lack of a map makes the saga somewhat difficult to follow, and, as sometimes happens with fantasies of this type, the story's unfurling over a period of long months spent traveling on horseback makes the pace drag a bit. Still, patient readers, especially those who enjoyed the earlier book, and fans of Hilari Bell's "Farsala" trilogy (S & S) will find much to like in this character-driven epic fantasy."Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2007
In this sequel to Printz Honor Book The Ropemaker (2001), Dickinson returns to his beautifully created, four-dimensional universe for another perilous adventure. The Ropemaker has been gone for 200 years, and once again his secluded valley is in dire straits, its crumbling defenses vulnerable to forces from the Empire and marauding horsemen from the north. This time, a team of diverse characters set out on an arduous trek to find the Ropemaker in hopes that he can restore the ancient magic that protects the valley. Among their number, there is one who can listen to the words of the rivers and ocean; a horse with the wings of a roc; a powerful young magician; and an intelligent being from an alternate, seven-dimensional universe. Perhaps most compelling of all, however, is 12-year-old Maja, whose tribulations as she matures and learns to use her sensitivity to magic are thoroughly believable. The characters are as well developed as those in the first book, and the complex, multilayered story includes more heady explorations of time and magic, joined here by thoughts on the meaning of true love. This is sure to be a hit with fans of the earlier book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)