Croggon, Alison. The riddle.

CROGGON, Alison. The riddle. (Pellinor, Book 2.) Candlewick. 490p. maps. c2004. 978-0-7636-3414-8. $8.99. JS

To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, September 2006: The second in the Pellinor fantasy epic, the riddle is the protagonist herself: Maerad, a 16-year-old Bard who is destined to be the Chosen One. An orphan, Maerad has endured slavery and deprivation, and her brother has been captured. Although she wants to reunite with him, Maerad's immediate quest is to pursue the mystery of the Treesong. To this end, she must travel to the far north. Much of the time, the self-contained Bard Cadvan guides her--until he is buried in an avalanche caused by evil spirits. Alone, Maerad has to fend for herself and trust strangers; she also has to learn about her own powers and possible dark side. Time is precious; the over-young Bard must solve the riddle before the kingdom is lost in chaos and evil.

Although this volume can be read without the first book, Maerad's undercurrent of longing for her brother seems a bit affected without more back story details. The Riddle is basically a questing story, filled with adventure and loss. Competently written, it has a disappointing end since the character doesn't seem to have grown substantially and the conflict is far from resolved. Nevertheless, fantasy readers will probably enjoy this saga, particularly when it is complete (four volumes are projected). The device of translating the saga from the world of Edil-Amerandh may either delight or turn off readers. Dr. Lesley Farmer, Lib. Svcs., CSULB, Long Beach, CA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.