Spirit's Chosen

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to Spirit's Princess (Random, 2012) opens in ancient Japan with Princess Himiko, a young shaman and healer in training, setting out on a perilous journey to rescue her stepmother and younger brothers from the Ookami, the wolf clan that has taken them as slaves during a raid on her village. With her close friend and traveling companion, Kaya, she is taken into captivity by the Ookami on the orders of their chieftain, Lord Ryu, who holds a particular hatred for Himiko because of her rejection of his earlier offer of marriage. Using a combination of magic and will, the brave princess fights for her freedom and strives to unite the various clans, coming into her own as a shaman and leader. Friesner has created a magnificent story of a girl's rise to leadership that incorporates intricate and well-researched details of the complex societal, religious, and familial traditions of third-century Japan. This historical fiction/mythology/fantasy blend is perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, Rick Riordan, and P. C. Cast.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK