January 15, 2018
Thirteen-year-old Leo is heir to the throne of Singara, a walled city populated by evolved lions, but before he can claim his birthright, he must survive a series of trials.There are those who refuse to acknowledge Leo as the rightful successor, preferring a blustering warrior to the more thoughtful youngling. But the dangers within the city are equaled by the threat from the Maguar, a rival, supposedly lesser race beyond the wall. The Maguar revere spiritualism and story, while the Singa value only that which can be proved by science. Determined to stick to facts, Singa ruthlessly persecute those they have dubbed Spinners, Singas who spontaneously spew fiction. Although he reviles Spinners, Leo is struck by the urge to tell stories in the most inopportune moments. However, his gift is stronger than most: his tales are so powerful that his characters actually come to life. This ambitious series debut focuses on the age-old tension between science and art. With his shy reserve, fierce loyalty, and out-of-the-box thinking, Leo makes for an appealing underdog hero. Minister Laney weaves together folk motifs from many cultures, including Ethiopia, Korea, and Tibet (notes on sources in backmatter), further underscoring the spiritual thrust of this fantastical coming-of-age story.A multilayered mashup of story and suspense. (map, cast of characters) (Fantasy. 10-13)
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February 1, 2018
Gr 4-6-Leo, a 13-year-old Singa (highly evolved lionlike creatures), tries hard to be like the other younglings; but not only is he scrawnier and weaker, he's also next in line to be the ruler of Singara-much to the dismay of his elder cousin, Tamir. Leo also has a big secret: he's a Spinner. In a society that values science and reason above all else, those who spin tales and speak fiction are considered abominations and once found out are sent to live in exile where they could easily fall prey to the enemy Maguar. And Leo's Spinner abilities are even more unusual than most. The tales Leo is compelled to tell actually leave a physical trace behind; the creatures his tales are about appear in Singara, and it's no longer just Leo who can see them. When Leo's grandfather dies, Tamir makes his move to claim the throne and Leo's very life is in danger. Could Leo's "fiction affliction" be his saving grace or will it be his downfall? Laney's first book in the "Pride Wars" series draws on a number of familiar elements-rites of passage, a family battle for the throne, warring clans-but manages to make them feel fresh by adding unusual creatures and a well-developed history and belief system. Readers who like Erin Hunter's books will race through this title and will be highly anticipating the sequel. VERDICT A strongly developed anthropomorphized animal adventure. Recommended for school and public libraries.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH
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