But it quickly becomes unclear whether they are the hunters or the hunted. Koffi and Ekon-each keeping their true motives secret from the other-form a tentative alliance and enter into the unknowns of the Greater Jungle, a world steeped in wild magic and untold dangers. Meanwhile, Koffi believes finding the Shetani and selling it for a profit could be the key to solving her own problems. Desperate to redeem himself, Ekon vows to hunt the Shetani down and end its reign of terror, but he can't do it alone. Koffi's power ultimately saves Ekon's life, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior. In its midst, Ekon not only encounters the Shetani-a vicious monster that has plagued the city and his nightmares for nearly a century-but a curious girl who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. But on the night of his final rite of passage, a fire upends his plans. As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six-an elite warrior-and uphold a family legacy. But the night her loved ones' own safety is threatened by the Zoo's cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn't fully understand-and the consequences are dire. Indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, she cares for its fearsome and magical creatures to pay off her family's debts and secure their eventual freedom. Magic doesn't exist in the broken city of Lkossa anymore, especially for girls like sixteen-year-old Koffi.
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This is the extraordinary tale of a little workhorse, who, after being born in obscurity, becomes one of the greatest breeding stallions of all time. Joel knows the horse has great potential, and soon word about Little Bub spreads throughout the entire Northeast for his ability to outwork, outrun, outtrot, and outwalk any horse in the area. Taken as payment for an outstanding debt, the little colt doesn't seem like he is worth much, but the kindly teacher asks one of his students, Joel Goss, to train him. In 1791 a Vermont schoolmaster by the name of Justin Morgan comes home with a two-year-old colt named Little Bub. "Why, come to think of it, you're just like us, Bub. He spoke now to the horse, as though he were the one that mattered. Joel's face suddenly lit up as if he had thought of something for the first time. The character's names are easily pronounced, creating instant association, and their personas are shaped almost invisibly with an expert choice of few words. …charming well-balanced prose, unexpected and delighting imagery (his hair needed a licking, determined the cat), perfect pacing and immediate suspension of disbelief…. We like this lonely kid with a decent heart, a distracted brain, just a few coins, and a battered old boat…. This brilliant story snags and tickles our feelings as we try to figure out its large and small mysteries. … wonderful scene-painting: mundane Fishtown, the cobblestoned streets, the glow seeping through closed shutters, and above all the sinister bulk of the imperial ship blocking out the lights of the neighboring town, all spring into reality before us. It started with a terrific hook - who can resist a talking cat sent to deliver a message? It starts off strong and just continues that way. REACTION FROM A SECOND AMAZON.COM REVIEWER This author manages to coax poetry from every descriptive turn of phrase…. REACTION TO "WIL DEFT" FROM AN AMAZON.COM CONTEST REVIEWERīeginning with the narrator's pitch perfect storytelling "voice", I was quickly captivated and constantly lured on….I loved the author's choices of people and place names - 'Fishtown' for the village, Wil Deft for the hero. |