Shapeshifter

October 1, 2010

Gr 7 Up-In the time of Irish legends, there was the land of Eire and the Otherworld where magical beings lived and time was of no consequence. This story moves between these two worlds, mortal and immortal. Sive begins the tale as a young girl who has special gifts. She is a shapeshifter, able to take on the form of a deer, and a singer who is able to hold sway over anyone who hears her song. Unfortunately, she becomes an object of great desire for the most evil and powerful druid, Far Doirche. To escape him she exiles herself into the mortal world and must remain in the shape of a deer for many years. Readers who are unwilling to commit to a lengthy fantasy will welcome this well-told tale that draws on Irish legend, language, and geography to complete its setting and mood. The characters are numerous, but there is enough backstory that readers can keep track of their relationships. Fantasy fans will enjoy this tightly woven story and appreciate the map, pronunciation guide, and legend that round out the experience.-Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
Grades 7-10 Sive has received genetic gifts from each of her magical parents. From her mother she has inherited a soaring voice capable of (literally) enchanting those who listen. From her father she has the ability to shift into animal shape. That paternal gift may be the only thing to save her once she is noticed by the evil dark lord Far Doirche, who has plans to enthrall her and use her voice to build an empire. Bennett returns to familiar Celtic ground in this rich, slightly revisionist retelling of an ancient Irish legend. Basic human emotionsfear, love, greedmove the tale along, and short first-person narratives that personalize the action are interspersed throughout. Some will stumble over the Irish names, but Bennett thoughtfully includes a pronunciation guide as well as notes on the more traditional version of Sives story. Offer this to fans of Bennetts earlier book, The Warriors Daughter (2007), as well as those in search of shape-shifters or Celtic legends.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)