Book Description

“Shannon Hale’s books blow me away. When I read them I get lost in the magic—her stories are magic.” –Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight

"Shannon Hale writes deft, lyrical, wonderful fantasy." ―Holly Black, author of Tithe and The Spiderwick Chronicles

★“This novel will be a special treat for readers of Hale's other two companion books, but it also stands on its own as a unique and tender coming-of-age story." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★“Hale makes profound statements about war and peace, friends and strangers, men and women and all the different kinds of battle. Her language glimmers like firelight, like sunshine on water as she propels readers along a river of wonderful writing to the tumultuous and heart-tugging climax.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"[A]stirring, stand-alone adventure…The story’s pace is leisurely, but Hale’s accomplished writing will easily pull readers into her vividly realized world. The expertly chosen, often poetic details set and pace the story, and the fully-drawn characters, whose dialogue crackles with wit, will point readers to the story’s underlying themes of cultural prejudice and the corruption of power that touch on contemporary political debates. Suspenseful, magical, and heartfelt, this is a story that will wholly envelop its readers." —Booklist, starred review

★“This high fantasy is rich in detail and lyrical in writing. While it helps to have read the two previous books, River Secrets stands on its own. But fans of the genre will no doubt rejoice in immersing themselves in this magical world by reading all three." —School Library Journal, starred review

“While Hale's sketch of Razo is engaging, even more compelling is the well-played political situation in the meeting of two exotic and very different fantasy cultures. The mystery of the body-burner's identity adds suspense, and several romantic subplots invite emotional investment. All elements join together to form an adept Tamora Pierce-like fantasy adventure -- although when it comes to Hale's subtlety of description and limber turns of phrase, there really is no comparison.” —Horn Book

"As in the earlier novels, Hale's impeccable writing style and dedication to detail result in a rich, fully developed world, right down to the salty pungency of the Tiran olives or the vibrancy of the Bayern clothing." —BCCB

“Hale delivers again with this…finish-in-one-day, don’t-stop-reading ride of a story.” —Rebecca, teen reviewer, VOYA

“One of Shannon Hale's greatest strengths as a writer is her commitment to creative conflict resolution. Hale's book Princess Academy features a heroine who helps her village withstand an invasive culture through non-violent resistance. Not only is it a powerful study of the kinds of tools that are used to control people, it is a testament to the strength of ordinary people to resist. . . Hale is a fine author with a lively, world-building imagination. Hale is a fine author with a lively, world-building imagination.” —Teenreads.com

“Hale’s Unlikely heroes resonate with readers of all ages” —Book Page

“Another magical tale.” —Detroit Free Press

“Every child who has ever felt alone or useless will find a friend in Razo.” —The Grand Rapids Press