SINGER
Jean Thesman
Viking Children's Books
Fantasy
ISBN: 0670059374
304 pages

Ever since she was born, Gwenore of Wales has been regarded as a curse by her mother, a truly evil witch named Rhiamon. Gwenore knows that she is different from the blood drop-shaped birthmark that she bears on her left wrist, but she doesn't understand her mother's motives towards her. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Gwenore is accused of murder and locked away in a cellar. Then in the dark of night, Gwenore is rescued by her longtime nursemaid Brennan and a priest-enchanter named Father Caddaric. She is taken to stay at an abbey, uncertain if she will ever see her allies again.

At the abbey, Gwenore is renamed Mary Blondine and is looked after by a nun, Sister Mark. Gwenore is worried by the news of an "aunt" traveling to collect her from the abbey and the crows that seem to know her real name. Despite her anxiety, she gradually begins to learn how to read and write and play music. This skill opens up a whole new world for the girl, who finds herself never wanting to leave. However, Gwenore's journey is just beginning and she is forced to flee once again.

She is then taken by a kindly physician named Margarite to the healing community of Blessingwood in England. There, she is welcomed by her aunt Hildegard and the other women of Blessingwood. Gwenore meets two other refugees named Elaine and Simon; she discovers that she is not the only one with special abilities and is given the chance of having a safe life. She also meets King Harry, a brazen, magical cat, who updates Gwenore of her allies and the enemies she left behind in Wales as well as hints of her true self.

Two years go by, and Gwenore's life --- and her appearance --- has changed. She is now working as Margarite's apprentice and has developed her skills as a musician. Things seem to be going well, until a courageous friend named Tom arrives in Blessingwood with news of her mother and an evil physician rival accusing Margarite of witchcraft. Gwenore and her friends flee to Ireland, but Gwenore ends up on the Island of Lir, where she must protect its kingdom from the evil witch and finally discover who she really is.

SINGER is a great story based on the classic Irish folktale "Children of the Lir." It is a fast-paced, dramatic fantasy that readers will want to read to the very last page.

   --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle (SdarksideG@aol.com)

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