The Continent

January 22, 2018
A privileged young woman struggles to survive after being stranded in unfamiliar, hostile territory. Aspiring mapmaker Vaela Sun has grown up in the nation of the Spire, in a culture that has abolished war. For her 16th birthday, her parents take her on an airship tour of the Continent, where the rival Xoe and Aven’ei peoples appear determined to wipe each other out. When the airship is destroyed, Vaela’s only hope is to make a new life among the Aven’ei until she can get home. As she assimilates into their society and falls for handsome Noro, she adopts a new goal: persuade the Spire to intervene and end the war. Drake’s debut novel comes with a controversial pedigree, having been substantially revised following early criticism of the depiction of the cultures of the Continent. That aspect is improved, but Drake still offers a predictable romance coupled with a “sheltered protagonist goes native” storyline; in one scene, Kaela gleefully attempts to introduce indoor plumbing to the Aven’ei, only to discover she has no idea how it works, either. The worldbuilding and premise have potential, but the story falls short in execution. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

Narrator Fiona Hardingham captures the raw beauty of a new land and the intensity of its people in this thrilling fantasy. Hardingham channels the determination of Vaela Sun, a sheltered 16-year-old who encounters unspeakable tragedy while sightseeing high above the icy, war-ravaged Continent. Vaela is rescued by the fierce Aven'ei people, who welcome her into their ranks. Hardingham conveys the depth of Vaela's love for the Aven'ei. As war with the neighboring Xoe clan looms ever closer, she brings Vaela's formidable courage into crisp focus. In addition to Vaela, Hardingham expertly voices a remarkable range of other characters, including jowly old men, implacable bullies, and menacing warriors, adding depth and breadth to this vibrant landscape. S.A.H. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine