Shadows Cast by Stars
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4.0 • 7 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Old ways are pitted against new horrors in this compellingly crafted, “atmospherically beautiful” (Kirkus Reviews) dystopian tale about a girl who is both healer and seer.
Two hundred years from now, blood has become the most valuable commodity on the planet—especially the blood of aboriginal peoples, for it contains antibodies that protect them from the Plague ravaging the rest of the world.
Sixteen-year-old Cassandra Mercredi might be immune to the Plague, but that doesn’t mean she’s safe—government forces are searching for those of aboriginal heritage to harvest their blood. When a search threatens Cassandra and her family, they flee to the Island: a mysterious and idyllic territory protected by the Band, a group of guerilla warriors—and by an enigmatic energy barrier that keeps outsiders out and the spirit world in. And though the village healer has taken her under her wing, and the tribal leader’s son into his heart, the creatures of the spirit world are angry, and they have chosen Cassandra to be their voice and instrument...
Incorporating the traditions of the First Peoples as well as the more familiar stories of Greek mythology and Arthurian legend, Shadows Cast by Stars is a haunting, beautifully written story that breathes new life into ancient customs.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Aboriginal mythology and mysticism play a large role in Knutsson's dystopian debut, as she draws on her own heritage for inspiration. Two centuries from now, plague has devastated the world, and only Native American tribes possess the antibodies needed to fight off the disease, making them a valuable but expendable commodity. Off the coast of what was once Canada, the Band dwells on the Island, protected by treaty and a barrier keyed to their blood. Sixteen-year-old Cassandra Mercredi is a half-blood, and when her family is forced to seek refuge on the Island, she is only grudgingly accepted. Soon, she begins a romance with the leader's son and an apprenticeship under the local medicine woman. As her power to see and interact with the spirit world grows, she discovers her true purpose. While Knutsson's concept is sound, and the story flows smoothly, the apocalyptic future is just a sketchy backdrop for a fairly standard coming-of-age adventure. There's little detail paid to the world outside the Island, so the significance of living in the "Old Way" is lessened. Otherwise, this is a strong beginning. Ages 12 up.
Customer Reviews
FAVORITE
I can't even put words to how much I loved this book, it was absolutely amazing. It was so perfectly written with an amazing storyline and thoughtful details and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to get lost in. The ending was probably my favorite part, I usually hate the ending to a book because it leaves you wanting more but this left you with a pure statement of understanding people like me who look for good endings. If you read this, read it through because you never know when the spirit world will want to take you into its grasp.