Review: Spirit's Chosen by Esther Friesner

Spirit's Chosen by Esther Friesner. Sequel to Spirit's Princess.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869082

Review: In the country of Japan, where war rages, clans fall, chieftains die, the Ookami finally make their mark on the Matsu clan. In Spirit's Chosen written by Esther Friesner, a young shaman and chieftain's daughter, Himeko finds her village in ruins. While she was away on a shaman trip with her sister of her heart, Kaya, the wolves attacked her land and captured most of the Matsu women and children. She returns to her family and finds her little brothers, Sanjirou and Noboru have been taken along with her step mother Emi and most of her clan. Her father and her older brother Aki are dead, and her mother has gone insane. Now the young princess must go on her life's adventure, but she is not expecting the wolves to be waiting for her. She and Kaya are captured and enslaved to Lord Ryu. Himeko must find her way out of the wolves' den and back to her family, before her mother will be put to death.

Spirit's Chosen is recommended for third grade and up for higher-level words and meanings. Most would enjoy this book because of its daringness like traveling into the greatest enemies territory, fighting the mysterious Oni, and trying to escape from the Ookami. It also is a sad love story where Himeko's new love has freed her from captivity, but was killed while saving Lord Ryu during the Golden Dragons Dance. Some might also enjoy learning the path of Himeko with the gods and other Shamans. During Spirit's Chosen Himeko travels into the spirit world many times, finding the bones of Oni, seeing her spirit prince, and talking to the shinning goddess.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Spirit's Chosen for this review.

Have you read Spirit's Chosen? How would you rate it?