Summary
From the publisher: In the year 2098 America isn’t so different from the USA of today. But, in a post-9/11 security-obssessed world, “secured” doesn’t just refer to borders between countries, it also refer to borders between states. Teenagers still think they know everything, but there is no cure for cancer, as Kelsa knows first-hand from watching her father die.

The night Kelsa buries her father, a boy appears. He claims magic is responsible for the health of Earth, but human damage disrupts its flow. The planet is dying.

Kelsa has the power to reverse the damage, but first she must accept that magic exists and see beyond her own pain in order to heal the planet.

My thoughts
The post-9/11 world of high security and the “humans ruined the earth” thing seemed like two separate messages trying to share a book. Having to worry about identification as they move across state borders an into Canada makes Kelsa and Raven’s quest more difficult, but there doesn’t seem to be a reason for these security precautions other than to throw up barriers as they try to heal the leys.

Futhermore, the plot gets a little wandery at times, the danger doesn’t feel consistent or real (the primary dangers come from border guards and a pack of bikers, but the bikers only appear when it’s necessary for the action to get a little injection of scariness), the mission to heal the leys isn’t focused enough, and oh man did the ending not clean up the mess Kelsa made throughout the book. (A sequel seems planned, but this feels more like one story stretched over two books rather than two whole and complete narratives.) Honestly, this book was kind of disappointing, especially since I’ve really liked other books Bell has written.

However, Raven’s characterization is strong; his personality is distinct and his secrecy and unusualness are intriguing. He felt different than a lot of the characters I’ve been encountering in YA lit recently–and I was really glad no romantic subplot developed between him and Kelsa.

But what really makes this book stand out is its incorporation of American Indian lore. I would have actually liked to have seen more of an exploration of the relationship between Raven and the other gods and all of the spirits and humanity over history. However, as much as Bell’s taken on American Indian spirituality lent this book its flavor, I can’t comment on the authenticity of its portrayal–but I’m hoping Debbie Reese will on American Indians in Children’s Literature.

Some serious flaws in structure and pacing and plot, but the inclusion of Indian spirits at least makes this stand out from other books with an environmental message. 2/5.

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Tags: 2 star, hilari bell, reviews, ya lit