This was a great read.
Review from amazon.com - Excellent YA fantasy; quasi-Egyptian setting, October 28, 1998
This is the best of the Peter Dickinson juveniles: in a kingdom somewhat like ancient Egypt, with failing harvests and contracting horizons, a young man has adventures. He winds up participating in the rescue of the whole land, joined by the new young king and an exiled priest.
While the above sounds like the standard fantasy, the book is both more subtle and less predictable. It is also very well written. The description of the hero's journey down the pseudo-Nile while hidden in the coffin of the old king is a high point.
This is the best of the Peter Dickinson juveniles: in a kingdom somewhat like ancient Egypt, with failing harvests and contracting horizons, a young man has adventures. He winds up participating in the rescue of the whole land, joined by the new young king and an exiled priest.
While the above sounds like the standard fantasy, the book is both more subtle and less predictable. It is also very well written. The description of the hero's journey down the pseudo-Nile while hidden in the coffin of the old king is a high point.
ALA Bookslist said, " Dickinson has created a very credible mythical kingdom...a compelling and suspenseful story in which the gods work through humans to achieve their ends..."
I agree. This is a serious book, as well. Don't look for humor and cute turns of phrase, etc.
I agree. This is a serious book, as well. Don't look for humor and cute turns of phrase, etc.
