Description: When Raisa, a slave since being kidnapped as a child, is chosen to become a tutor and learn a secret language, she is torn between her feelings for Prince Mati and her desire to help free her people.
Brief description:
Kathy MacMillan has been a librarian, American Sign Language interpreter, children's performer, teacher, storyteller, and writer. Her previous work includes educator- and parent-resource books about promoting literacy through signing with all children. Sword and Verse and its sequel, Dagger and Coin, were inspired by her research into ancient libraries and her interest in exploring the power of language. Kathy lives near Baltimore, Maryland. To learn more about Kathy, visit www.kathymacmillan.com.
Review Quotes:
"I was completely enthralled by the fascinating and unique world. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." - Franny Billingsley, award-winning author of Chime
"MacMillan has created a believable world, complete with its own mythology. For voracious and dedicated fantasy readers." - School Library Journal
"MacMillan's love of learning, knowledge, and literacy shapes both plot and character development, while raising ethical questions with no easy answers. Beneath what appears to be a romantic fantasy, discerning readers will find complex, broader issues among the predictable comforts of the genre." - Booklist
"Fans of Megan Whalen Turner will enjoy MacMillan's debut." - Publishers Weekly
"A thoughtful debut fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews
"This is a highly satisfying novel with an exciting conclusion. Filled with romance, political intrigue, and rebellion, this page-turner will be in high demand by fantasy lovers." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"A tense, romantic fantasy epic about prejudice, political struggle, and the power of words, SWORD AND VERSE kept me guessing at every turn. Kathy MacMillan is a writer to watch." - R.J. Anderson, Andre Norton Award-nominated author of ULTRAVIOLET