Children of the Maker [Hardcover]

Lucy Cullyford Babbitt (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From the author of The Oval Amulet comes this sequel, again about the Joined (married) rulers of Melde, Paragrin and Cam, who separate temporarily when Paragrin wants a holiday. She and Kirk, Cam's brother, set off together, while Cam is faced with the challenge of his life: ruling alone, and living by the creed that "nothing is unforgivable." But it is Cam and Paragrin's separation that makes them especially vulnerable to attack and ruin. Magramid, sister and rival of Melde's Half-Divine Ruler, Jentessa, recognizes the weakness and decides to use it to her advantage, attempting to seduce Cam as she once seduced another mortal. Much of what is compelling about Babbitt's novel is the rivalry between Magramid and Jentessa, and readers may wish, before Magramid's skyward demise, that their scuffle had been a bit more developed. But the scenes of Melde life, especially contrasted with the life in Magramid's colony, Vasser, make up in spirit for what the sisters' relationship lacks, and the bond between Paragrin and Cam is authentically realized. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 7-12 The Melde Colony is thriving under the benevolent rule of Paragrin and Cam. Yet, all are uneasy when Paragrin announces her intention to go exploring with Kerk, her brother-in-law. With Paragrin and Cam separated and thus their power weakened, Magramid uses this opportunity to undermine Melde. Disguised as an old hag, she aligns herself with Paragrin's evil grandfather and sets about testing Cam's strength and virtue. Meanwhile, Paragrin and Kerk discover Magramid's colony and are horrified by the conditions. They realize that they must return to Melde before it is destroyed. Babbitt's skillful tale is sure to find a readership among young adult fans of challenging and complex fantasies. Vibrant writing and a gripping plot will speak to readers who have entered the worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth. The perennial battle between good and evil is set forth with freshness, and its twists and turns will enthrall even the most experienced readers. Babbitt's characters, both good and evil, never tend toward stereotype. Even the Half-Divines are often paradoxically humanMagramid is strangely attracted to Cam, whose virtue she abhors, and her sister regrets her decision to let her rulers act independently when Paragrin's life is threatened. Although not essential, a reading of Babbitt's The Oval Amulet (Harper, 1985) enriches the experience. Jeanne Marie Clancy, Wolfsohn Memorial Library, King of Prussia, Pa.

Copyright 1989 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 231 pages
• Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux (J); 1st edition (January 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374312451
• ISBN-13: 978-0374312459
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,794,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Children of the Maker (Hardcover)

I got it in the library and I've read it at least 15 times! Its wonderful! It has romance, comedy, and action! Beautifully written too!