The Shamer's Daughter

As a teacher I constantly review books for my students. I felt that this was one of the best fantasy books that I have EVER read. After I was 1/2 way into this book I bought the other three. I haven't been disapointed. Book two was just as good, if not better than the first. I definetely suggest this for a reader 5th grade and up, and for any adult that truly enjoys a good book with strong, realistic characters.

Set in a fairytale Scotland, The Shamer's Daughter was refreshing and intense. The main character, only a 12 year old girl, is forced to grow up when she inherits her mother's gift of "shaming." That is, the gift of mirroring the soul of the person who looks you in the eye. Although not touched on overly much in this first installment, the reader can't help but feel how Dina feels when no one looks her in the eye. It's easy enough to transfer that over to my own sensibilities and how hurt I would be if everyone I came across was scared to look me in the eye. There is of course the generic evil overlord who denounces "Shaming" as witchcraft when he cannot get his way, as well as keeping pet dragons (they're really quite nasty!) I was very impressed with this first book, I can't wait to read all of the other ones!

The first book about Dina is a succes BUT - It gets so much better! There are four books about the shamers children and you HAVE to read all of them! In the second book we'll hear about Dina's brother Davin (or that's what he is called in the original version) and Dina's fight for justice for themselves and their new friend Nico. The first book is fantastic and you have to read it to understand the second, the thierd and ofcourse the last one! Amanda - the Dane who read them all in just a few dayes!

Caution: The Shamer's Daughter is Book 1 of a series. That said, The Shamer's Daughter is an engrossing introduction to the concept of The Shamer, who has the power to unmask the soul's secrets and crimes. Daughter Dina has inherited her mother's powers and unfortunately can tell her childhood friends are now her enemies. Her involvement in a murder puzzle leads to a newfound appreciation for her resented skills