East by Edith Pattou

East
[ released in the U.K. as North Child ]

Rating: * * * * *

Rose has always felt out of place in her family. So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with him, she readily agrees. The bear takes Rose to a distant castle, where each night she is confronted with a mystery. In solving that mystery, she finds love, discovers her purpose, and realizes her travels have only just begun.

As fresh and original as only the best fantasy can be, East is a novel retelling of the classic tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” told in the tradition of Robin McKinley and Gail Carson Levine.

- Amazon.com

East is a book I loved when I was younger, not just because of its story but also because the author had used the lesser-known fairy tale that I had one day hoped to use in my own. Set in the cold, northern lands, the book takes twists and turns that constantly keep its readers – both young and old – guessing until its lovely end.

Rose is Nyamh, a North-bairn, a feared child for all superstitious mothers. In order to hide her true nature, her mother does a terrible thing and lies both to herself and to Rose about her true birth. But Rose is North – she is the traveler, the constant adventurer, and adventure will seek her despite the lies that rule her life.

This is a fantastical tale with courage, wonderment and love, and the characters each – even the misguided, spineless mother – proves his or her worth throughout the story. The mysterious polar bear and his cold, cold Queen draw Rose on a journey to rescue her only purpose in life, and on the way she finally discovers who she truly is.

East is a magical adventure one should not miss.

Highly recommended.

& ElizabethC