Being a prince isn't quite all it's cracked up to be when you are young Prince Aspen of the Seelie Court being held hostage as a gift from his parents to the Unseele Court in hopes of preventing future war. Prince Aspen spends his day virtually imprisoned in this thick-walled place rife with intrigue and mistrust.
Snail is a midwife's apprentice in the Seelie Court bungling her way through each day with her curiosity and dry humor leading the way. Being privileged to hear Snail's inner thoughts is a delight.
These two are destined to become an unlikely team struggling with magical creatures, the social rules that rule them.. or have ruled them up to this point, and a journey with two missions, one seen and one lying just below the surface of their understanding and awareness.
Prince Aspen and Snail are going to have to escape from the castle. War looms before them and the Prince desperately wants to get back home to his people and leave these uncaring, ambitious folk in the dust. He has been up to now a pawn in other people's plans. Snail has just been doing her mistress' bidding and getting a few bruises along the way.
Now the road is opening to them. Questions must be asked. Who are they? What do they value? What is their purpose in life if they have a chance to choose for themselves.
Here is a fantasy/adventure penned by a master of the craft. Jane Yolen has the pacing down, has the world down to the last detail clearly in her mind to share with us, and clearly cares deeply for and respects her young readers who have some journeys ahead for themselves. The richly defined setting entwined with the vulnerability and capability of her characters sets this story apart. The pieces that make us who we are eventually find their way to the light and that's exactly what this story offers.... the chance to stop and discover yourself and begin to see where you just might want your journey to take you.
The Seelie Wars, Book 1
978-0670014347 232 pages Ages 9-13 (some violence)
Recommended by: Barb
Sequel: The Last Changeling
Read alikes: Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen; Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangis; The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
