Silent Echo

February 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Portia Griffin inexplicably lost her voice after her first infant bawl. Now 16, she begins to have odd pains between her shoulder blades and feverish choking fits-warning signs that the most eerie, spellbinding voice ever heard on Earth is about to be unleased. Ms. Leucosia, the school nurse at Ridgewood Preparatory Academy, is suddenly excessively present in Portia's life. As it turns out, they are both sirens. As Portia struggles to accept her otherworldly status and unveil her voice to two boys fighting for her love, she must also learn about Homer's The Odyssey, the history of her fellow goddesses, and the danger she is in. She is threatened by Leucosia's evil sisters, who want to use their powers to make Portia just as wicked. They are seeking vengeance against Leucosia, whom they believe has betrayed them. Music and lyrics that were meant to enhance the prose add interest but also distract from the plot. Mythology lovers will delight in the inclusion of Greek gods and goddesses, but beyond that, the story lacks the depth and literary prowess expected by their presence. A disappointing novel. [e-original]-Jamie-Lee Schombs, Loyola School, New York City

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