Derrick J. (ravensknight) reviewed on 6/10/2009 + 178 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

Utterly fascinating. What Wrede did for Victorian England with her "Magic & Malice" duology, she does here for the Frontiers of the United States in the mid to late 1800's.

It was like reading Caddy Woodlawn and Laura Ingals Wilder, with more danger and magic. Focusing on Eff, the 13th child, and twin to a 7th son of a 7th son, it explores a slightly alternate frontier world than ours. Wrede takes care of the whole Pioneer/Indian thing by not having Indians at all. She makes the Frontier such a completely hostile place that people cannot live there without the aid of magicians and large communities to support each other.

This book follows Eff growing up from 4-18 and the challenges she faces as a 13th child AND the sibling of a Double7 son. Lots of small town/family politics, exploration of magical systems [Wrede wisely lets magic be non-boxed] and the minutiae of living in a hostile environment. Really looking forward to the rest of this series as it comes out.

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