From School Library Journal
Grade 7–9—Aiden and Lana are an unlikely pair. He's a novice monk, practicing to be a scribe; she's an illegitimate peasant with a penchant for mischief. Their worlds collide due to a Viking invasion that brings violent destruction to their families and homes. Hiding from the raiders, they discover that they have more in common than they could have expected. Aiden is able to sense the energy given off by living things, which he feels as the humming of numbers, while Lana can communicate with trees and use their wood to work powerful magic. Together they weave a plot to help their townspeople cast out the invaders, falling in love in the meantime. Aiden decides to leave the monastery to marry Lana, finally accepting that their magic is not the work of the devil. This is a strong story that will get skeptical students excited about historical fiction. Teachers will appreciate the accuracy of the book, which makes clear the scarcity and value of illuminated manuscripts in the 10th century, as well as the grim realities that women faced (Lana herself has been the victim of sexual violence). Although their decision to marry seems a little premature, and Aiden's position as the monastery's first lay scribe is a convenient ending, the book is a great read. Filled with nature lore and compelling action, it will appeal to many readers.—
Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
Compelling and powerfully written. --ALAN, the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents
Well-plotted, action packed, and even mildly sexy. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“A great read . . . filled with nature lore and compelling action.”
—School Library Journal
“An excellent book that readers of both historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy.”
—VOYA
