The Shattering

Starred review from August 8, 2011
Healey (Guardian of the Dead) delivers an intense and powerful novel that explores the effect of suicide on families by way of a magical conspiracy tale. In the small New Zealand tourist town of Summerton, 17-year-old Keri is contending with the unexplained suicide of her beloved older brother, Jake. When her childhood friend Janna—whose brother killed himself years earlier—tells her there might a reason for Jake’s death, Keri slowly starts believing what she hears from Janna and a boy named Sione: once a year, a teenage boy visiting the village (or occasionally a native son) is compelled to kill himself. They discover that the killings might be connected to the town’s history, and as they get closer to the truth, they are threatened by magic aimed directly at them and at their friends, and left uncertain whom to trust. Juggling multiple viewpoints, Healey skillfully keeps her characters on an emotional roller-coaster even as they deal with physical threats. The climax delivers a gut punch that only underscores the sensitivity of the subject matter (without lessening the thrill at all). Ages 12–up.

Saskia Maarleveld delivers an affecting narration in this compelling story told from the point of view of three New Zealand teenagers whose brothers have each committed suicide. As they try to make sense of what has happened, they believe they've found a pattern that may mean indicate foul play. Maarleveld presents Kerri, the main storyteller, as resolute and strong, with a touch of vulnerability that makes her sympathetic but not pathetic. Maarleveld reflects the tension between the three friends as they identify patterns but aren't sure what to do. She builds suspense quietly and steadily as the pieces begin to fit together. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2012
Gr 8 Up-After her brother, Jake, commits suicide, 17-year-old Keri has a hard time coming to terms with his death. Jenna, a friend from Keri's past, and Sione Felice, Janna's tourist friend, come to her with a theory that both their older brothers and Jake were actually murdered. As they investigate the theory, secrets, a conspiracy involving trusted and well-known people in their New Zealand community, and dark magic make the trio realize that time is running out to save another boy's life. With no one to trust and danger lurking around every corner, the trio sets out to solve the mystery in Karen Healey's novel (Little, Brown, 2011). The well-developed plot and the characters are brought to life through Saskia Maarleveld's narration. Although the voices sound similar, her use of unique intonations and narrative styles for each character make it fairly easy to tell them apart. Her narrative speed and transitions hold listeners' interest and cue plot twists and suspenseful moments. Fans of paranormal mysteries and witches will enjoy this audiobook.-"Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT"

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