The Hidden Twin

January 1, 2016
A young woman has been kept hidden for most of her life, but a rare excursion leads to a confrontation with the authorities that are her biggest fear--until she becomes theirs. At the opening of Rule's second novel (Strange Sweet Song, 2014), the protagonist's monthly outing with her twin sister goes badly, and she starts to unravel the dark myth about her kind--the redwing--that has forced her into a life so small she doesn't have a name. As she learns her own power, she becomes entangled with a secret order of priests, a group of rebels, and the son of the Empress. Though the cover says "yet another Twilight clone," readers shouldn't be fooled. Writing in the first person, Rule uses sharp, lyrical prose to describe a culture with its own gods and monsters, mixing ancient worlds and new technology. Although the narrator is blonde with "hyacinth blue" eyes, Rule sidesteps most "chosen one" tropes in favor of dry wit and earthy, original expressions such as "How in wet hell--?" and "Mol's blazing buttocks!" Romantic moments are sweetly awkward, but it's action that drives the story. Secondary characters fulfill archetypes, but happily, they're not all dudes. The attack-happy fighter, the crotchety old lockpick, the stern and determined reporter: all women. Rule delivers a funny, exciting adventure for readers ready to move on from doe-eyed heroines swooning over rugged heroes. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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February 1, 2016

Gr 7-10-In this coming-of-age fantasy, the nameless teenage narrator has spent her life in hiding because her society would put her to death as an evil monster. She's a human-appearing Redwing, the magical offspring of a powerful Other who emerged from a volcanic lava pool to save her human father's life. When the Redwing disguises herself as her human twin to destroy a plant that will reveal her true nature, she's drawn into a conspiracy to seize a volcano god's power. The author has concocted an unusual setting in the ash-strewn shadows of the volcano Mol, where birds are the only animal life in evidence and the wealthy ride giant striches through grimy city streets. Many characters have hidden motivations and agendas for the Redwing and her powers, and the climax comes as a surprise, validating the protagonist's essential goodness. The contemporary-sounding commentary of the characters is occasionally jarring against the otherworldly tone of the story, but liberal helpings of mystery and danger help to pull readers along. Two potential romances with a conspirator and with the son of the Empress add to the appeal. VERDICT Purchase where Tamora Pierce's books are popular.-Beth Wright Redford, Richmond Elementary School, VT

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