365 Days of Books

River Secrets is part a series of linked books by Sharon Hale. You can read each book separately but if you want to read all three read them in order or else many plot twists are revealed. The Goose Girl is a retelling of the well known folk tale; it has a strong female lead (really two) and other good diversity messages. Next comes Enna Burning which is a much darker story with elements of mind control linked with sexuality and planned and unplanned deaths by burning. My 11 year old was horrified and she and her older sister both declined to finish the book. River Secrets has some deaths but they are neither as horrific or detailed as in Enna Burning. The main character is unsure of himself and yet maintains his integrity while reaching out to other people. His friendships are solid and well-built. River Secrets is a little predictable but not in a way that makes me sigh and put the book aside in the second chapter.

Around christmas I also read Shannon Hale's Princess Academy which was a fun fast read with a strong female lead. This book was longed after by the 11 year old and she has read it several times.