Our Divine Mischief

November 1, 2023
For the islanders of Fuiscea, everything is determined by the will of the gods. �ila LacInis, a fisherman's daughter with tanned skin, green eyes, and dark, curly hair, awaits the moment when the goddess Yslet will tell her what her vocation will be. Only the Unblessed, the most unfortunate people on Fuiscea, are deprived by Yslet of any special aptitude. Among them is Hew LacEllan, a lanky, auburn-haired laborer with an unwavering faith in the gods despite the abuse he faces at the hands of his fellow islanders. To �ila's shock, Yslet fails to appear at her Goddess Trial; �ila instead is faced with Orail, a strange doglike creature who possesses the power to grant wishes. The goddess's absence means �ila must complete a series of intensive Ordeals intended to test the gods' favor. In the process, Hew, �ila, and Orail become bound together as three outcasts fighting the limits of tradition. Unfolding through their three alternating viewpoints (Orail's sections are in verse), the story's rich narration is sure to enchant fantasy lovers. While the first half of the novel seems disconnected from the conclusion due to an unexpected redirection of the twist-filled plot, themes of identity and belief are carried throughout a text that's layered with references to Scottish lore. An absorbing exploration of truest friendship and the fulfillment that comes from knowing one's worth. (map, author's note, glossary) (Fantasy. 12-18)

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November 1, 2023

Gr 7 Up-Seventeen-year old Aila finally has her mother's approval to go to the island where the goddess Ysla awaits to award her the medallion that will give her status in the community. But upon arrival, Aila discovers only a rambunctious puppy and no sign of the goddess. Returning home a failure, with a puppy in tow, the priests announce a series of trials for Alia to endure in order to earn her medallion. The priests assign Hew, one of the "unblessed"-a person who returned with a blank medallion and is forced to provide menial services-to look after her and keep things organized, on track, and understandable during the trials. The trials are physically difficult and emotionally overwhelming; but her dog, Orial, provides Aila comfort, resources, and a magic that cements their bond. When the third trial goes awry, bringing politics, violence, and an awareness that Orial might be a key to great power, Orial's life is endangered. Aila and Hew take action to ensure her safety even at the risk of their own. Told in alternating chapters, including Orial's poetic voice, this fantasy sets readers firmly in Scottish folklore cementing the story as part romance, part political intrigue, part thriller, and at its heart, a dog story. Readers will root for the three protagonists as they struggle to save Orial, alert their community to the dangers alive in the kingdom, and prove to themselves and their community that they belong and are worthy. VERDICT Offer this book to readers who enjoy their fantasy mixed with a folklore twist, romance, and, of course, dogs.-Connie Williams

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