The Boy from Ilysies

October 15, 2010

Taking up where Libyrinth (2009) left off, the spotlight of this sequel falls on Po and his difficulty adapting to the new culture rising from the life-changing Redemption. Po comes from a female-dominant culture: He's hostile to men, protective of women and naïve about the motives and manipulations of others. After one transgression too many, he joins a quest searching for an artifact that will restore ecological balance to the deteriorating environment. While its predecessor examined religious/political belief systems, this volume explores differences among the various groups' gender and sexual mores. Po becomes sexually active and makes dangerous mistakes before changing (quite realistically) his point of view and behavior. Sympathy for Po will carry readers until the excitement and suspense of the quest take over. Themes of abuse of authority, the nature of prejudice and the power of the written word remain from the first book--but with tricky and interesting twists. Background information is skillfully integrated into the plot in this clever, thought-provoking book that has appeal for fans of serious science fiction and fantasy. (Science fiction. 13-15)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

February 1, 2011

Gr 8 Up-This sequel to Libyrinth (Tor, 2009) focuses less on the value of books and literacy and more on the struggles of two groups of people once alienated from one another by their beliefs, and now united in an effort to create a thriving community of both Singers and Libyrarians. Because of this change in direction, North has created that rare thing: a second book in a series that is stronger than the first. Po, a 15-year-old from Ilysies, was raised in a culture where women rule and men play a subservient role. He suffers enormous shock when exposed to the more liberal mores of the Libyrinth, and his need for a strong female consort and a meaningful life leads him to make choices that may ultimately result in the destruction of everything he has worked for. Readers who enjoy the world-building novels by Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey may also enjoy this series.-Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.