This week, I'm crazy about...
Peaceweaver, by Rebecca Barnhouse
At first glance, the cover for Peaceweaver may seem like nothing special, but on second glance, there are so many things that I love about it.
First, it is an illustrated cover. No matter the subject, an illustrated cover scores points with me. There is so much more to an illustrated cover than a photographic one, as lovely as the photographic cover may be. The colors are bright and brilliant, and the red of Hild's dress pops against the browns and greens of the rest of the cover.
Second, it features a girl with a sword! I've mentioned before how much I love girls with swords. There's something so fun in reading about sword-swinging females. It's always made me wish I knew how to use a sword myself. And what's more, you can't see her face, so not only can you make up your own image for the character, I can't help but imagine myself as that girl - I don't care that she's charging at a monster, I want to be her. In any case, she looks like she could do some serious damage.
Third, the question brings up as many questions as it provides answers. The creature seems to be reaching for Hild, but not necessarily trying to attack her. Is she attacking the creature, or fleeing to it for safety? Is the creature holding the rock to crush her with, or is it trying to protect the rock? And the title Peaceweaver seems to contradict the scene, which seems anything but peaceful...
Want to know more about Peaceweaver?
Summary (from Goodreads):
This is historical fantasy at its best. Sixteen-year-old Hild has always been a favorite of her uncle, king of the Shylfings. So when she protects her cousin the crown prince from a murderous traitor, she expects the king to be grateful. Instead, she is unjustly accused of treachery herself.
As punishment, her uncle sends Hild far away to the heir of the enemy king, Beowulf, to try to weave peace between the two kingdoms. She must leave her home and everyone she loves. On the long and perilous journey, Hild soon discovers that fatigue and rough terrain are the least of her worries. Something is following her and her small band of guards—some kind of foul creature that tales say lurks in the fens. Will Hild have to face the monster? Or does it offer her the perfect chance to escape the destiny she never chose?
Rebecca Barnhouse's companion to The Coming of the Dragon is sure to appeal to younger fans of Tamora Pierce, Esther Friesner, and Shannon Hale.
This is historical fantasy at its best. Sixteen-year-old Hild has always been a favorite of her uncle, king of the Shylfings. So when she protects her cousin the crown prince from a murderous traitor, she expects the king to be grateful. Instead, she is unjustly accused of treachery herself.
As punishment, her uncle sends Hild far away to the heir of the enemy king, Beowulf, to try to weave peace between the two kingdoms. She must leave her home and everyone she loves. On the long and perilous journey, Hild soon discovers that fatigue and rough terrain are the least of her worries. Something is following her and her small band of guards—some kind of foul creature that tales say lurks in the fens. Will Hild have to face the monster? Or does it offer her the perfect chance to escape the destiny she never chose?
Rebecca Barnhouse's companion to The Coming of the Dragon is sure to appeal to younger fans of Tamora Pierce, Esther Friesner, and Shannon Hale.
Leave your thoughts in the comments!
What are you crazy about this week?
No comments:
Post a Comment