Call On The Stars - Couverture rigide

Prue, Sally

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0439482682 ISBN 13 : 9780439482684

Editeur : Scholastic Press, 2003

Synopsis

Part human, part elfin, young Tom struggles to find a place to call home in this striking debut fantasy novel.

Tom is both elfin and human, and running for his life. Cast out from the elfin Tribe, he must hide among the hated humans, whom the Tribe call "demons." Tom's Tribe-half seeks freedom and thrives on a connection with nature which lets him "call on the stars" and turn invisible when in danger. But Tom's human side is emerging, and he is confused and appalled by this change. For he fears the twining emotional bonds, which he sees literally as vines, that bind one human to another. But when he is helped by a kind "demon" girl, it is these strong bonds that save him-and draw him to his true home.

A propos du livre

Revue de presse

Voice of Youth Advocates
(October 1, 2003; 0-439-48268-2)

Elves are a common feature of fantasy stories, and usually they are elusive, magical beings that capture the interest of ordinary humans. Elves and humans co-exist in this novel that was first published in the U.K., but with a slight twist. Instead of the traditional human point of view, the story is told with an elf as the main character. Elves are beautiful, elusive creatures, but they are also violent and dangerous. They fear the evil "demons" who live in the city and enslave each other with strong vines that grow from heart to heart. It is clear from the beginning that the "demons" are actually humans and that the vines are emotional attachments. Tom, an elf calf, is forced to hide among the demons when his tribe wants to kill him for being different. Unable to fend for himself in the demon world, he must rely on a child to help him. Against his will, he develops feelings for her and is trapped by her love. Told from a unique point of view, the story is well written. The vivid descriptions of human emotional attachments are original and interesting. The elves see these attachments as intertwining vines that grow from one heart to another. Humans cannot see the vines, but they feel the pull. Although the surprise at the end is not really a surprise to a careful reader, the story is still engaging. This quick read is a worthy addition to a middle school collection.-Jennifer McIntosh.
Horn Book Guide
(October 1, 2003; 0-439-48268-2)

Related to the oft-retold ballad of Tam Lin, this tale is set in contemporary times. Though a member of the elfin "Tribe," Tom is in danger: he's showing signs of his part-human heritage, and his father is stalking him with intent to kill. Desperate, and possessed by the Tribe's fear of humans, Tom reluctantly finds himself under the protection of a human girl and her angry half-brother. Swift-moving and easily read, this book's a keeper. Copyright 2003 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal
starred (September 1, 2003; 0-439-48268-2)

Gr 5-8-Tom is different from the other members of his Tribe, and when his lack of grace and sensitive hearing endanger the rest of the elfin community, he is forced to run away. He enters the demons' city, a horrible and dangerous place, especially since he is losing his ability to become invisible. Readers quickly learn that demons are humans, and the main threat they pose is the "vines" of affection and interpersonal relationships. When Tom hides in a shed, he is discovered by Anna, who tries to help him, and her half-brother Joe, who wants to study his behavior. When Tom's hiding place is destroyed, he is rescued by Anna's nosy neighbor Edie, who has secrets of her own. In a chilling and dramatic confrontation, the humans try to save Tom from the Tribe, letting human affection oppose its magic. Prue uses the legend of Tam Lin, as presented from the opposing points of view, to add depth to this intriguing fantasy, and her sure characterization and careful pacing will grab even reluctant readers' attention. Tom's perceptions and thoughts allow information about the Tribe and the "demons" to be developed naturally and gradually. Tension between Anna and Joe adds to the story, and the conclusion stays true to the bittersweet tone of the story. A thoughtful and engaging fantasy that explores multiple real-life themes while telling a compelling story.-Beth L. Meister, Yeshiva of Central Queens, Flushing, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Booklist
(September 15, 2003; 0-439-48268-2)

Gr. 4-8. Tom's comparatively poor vision and hearing have made him a danger to his Tribe, who begin to hunt him. An outcast from his own people, he leaves the forest and flees to the nearby city, where loutish demons pursue him and a well-

Présentation de l'éditeur

Part human, part elfin, young Tom struggles to find a place to call home in this striking debut fantasy novel.

Tom is both elfin and human, and running for his life. Cast out from the elfin Tribe, he must hide among the hated humans, whom the Tribe call "demons." Tom's Tribe-half seeks freedom and thrives on a connection with nature which lets him "call on the stars" and turn invisible when in danger. But Tom's human side is emerging, and he is confused and appalled by this change. For he fears the twining emotional bonds, which he sees literally as vines, that bind one human to another. But when he is helped by a kind "demon" girl, it is these strong bonds that save him-and draw him to his true home.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Scholastic Press
• Date d'édition: 2003
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0439482682
• ISBN 13: 9780439482684
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 192
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: WordUnited GmbH; distribution@wordunited.com; ; Theodorstrasse 105; DUSSELDORF; 40472; Allemagne