Elske

Clean, effective writing and a great plot are trademarks of Cynthia Voigt's work, and the more she writes, the better she gets. I read some of her earlier books beginning around the age of eleven -- Homecoming, Dicey's Song, Seventeen Against the Dealer, Jackaroo, The Callendar Papers -- and I've never forgotten them. Voigt doesn't shy away from complex, adult issues; instead she makes them challenging and yet accessable for anyone. I saw ELSKE on this site and couldn't resist buying it to see if Voigt was still as good as ever. Turns out she's even better -- I've read all the books in the "Kingdom" series and this, though I love the others, is my favorite. It's an adventure story about two young women making their own way in a world against them, and it's got everything: "primitive" tribal customs, plots against a royal family, narrow escapes, war, even love. It's got morals, too, but Voigt skillfully avoids hitting you over the head with them. All told, it's as great for adults as for kids. NOTE: I would recommend that any "kid" reading it be old enough/mature enough to understand and handle things like rape and sexual innuendo, which are in no way graphic or overdone, but certainly are important elements in the story.

The latest addition to Cynthia Voigt's Kingdom series. Elske offers a heroine who is very much her own person. Even though Elske has been chosen to be the Death Maiden of the Volkking, she escapes to begin life. Elske makes her way to the trading city Trastad, despite being a servant and an outsider, her honesty, intelligence, and good humour bring respect and friendship. Just when most fiction for young adults would have Elske marry the master of the house (whose children she cared for while their mother suffered from a lingering sickness) Voigt takes Elske down a different path. Since she refuses to marry anyone, she is sent to be the handmaid of the defiant princess Beriel. Elske's most difficult adventure begins. Beriel has been sent to Trastadt to marry. In her kingdom the oldest child, male or female, may inherit the throne. Beriel's younger brother has usurped her position and exiled her. How he manages to do this is not for the squimish, nor for young readers. Voigt does the unthinkable, she gives the reader not one, but two strong young women to share the pages of her book. Lesser writers would not be able to accomplish it. Voigt is able to bring Elske and Beriel together in an uncommon relationshp. They are never servant and master, and never truly friends. But, there is a bond between them. One of deepest trust. Elske's lack of knowledge of the world sometimes causes her trouble, but never embarrassment, for her actions are rarely for herself. This books is for the more sophisticated, thoughful reader. Mature themes are an intregal part of Elske's journey. Not recommended for readers under 12.

I just finished the Jackaroo series, with Elske, and enjoyed every book! While I was somewhat disappointed with the emotional "detachment" of the characters in Wings of the Falcon, Elske re-establishes Voight's strength of characterization and imagery. Although I can understand concern for some of the content of Elske, the story does not dwell upon violence or "adult behavior" in the least, nor does it deal explicitly with such, and focuses, instead, on Elske's development from an innocent girl, raised in a barbaric society, to a mature and courageous woman. In truth, maturity is required to wholly grasp the rich lessons of the story; and therefore, the story is more appropriate for older teens and adults. Once again, however, I found myself wrapped up in the world of the Kingdom and the fates of two young women struggling to overcome their foes in the face of prejudice (toward women), tyranny, and death. A rewarding tale!

Elske is a book of unusually clear insight and resonant truth; Voigt never lapses into cliches to avoid ugly situations that many other authors would. Set in the same world as earlier Kingdom books (Jackaroo, On Fortune's Wheel, The Wings of a Falcon), Elske has very rich and believable settings that are always gritty and realistic. No pink sugar-spun clouds here. Voigt is ruthless in presenting some of the ugliness in life, but she emphasizes truth and honor and love in life in spite of betrayals and falsehoods. Characterization is also some of the best I've read for awhile, and Elske's in particular develops realistically and well. My only criticism is the pacing, as I felt more time ought to have been spent on Beriel's reclaiming of the Kingdom and on Elske's romance. All in all, a most excellent and heartfelt novel for the mature teen. The funny thing is that I don't know that I would have cared to see the truths it shows two years ago, so I'd recommend waiting to read it at the ripe old age of fifteen or sixteen. Also, for those who like the rich setting-- not quite fantasy, not quite history, try The Raging Quiet, by Sherryl Jordan.Ailanna

In one word, this book is wonderful. I read Jackaroo and On Fortune's Wheel when I was 14, and now I have read The Wings of a Falcon and Elske, when I am 18. Although labeled Young Adult, this series is good for adults of all ages. If only Cynthia Voigt would write more in this series!!!!!