Night Spinner

Gr 9 Up–In this retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enebish was once a fearsome warrior in the Sky King’s Imperial Army, but after destroying a merchant caravan by losing control of her Night Spinner power she is sent to live out her days in a monastery. Broken and battered, she settles into her new life, believing that it is more than she deserves. However, when she receives the opportunity to go after a rogue criminal she immediately descends on a journey to reinstate her warrior status. Once Enebish meets this criminal she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her country. Readers will be immersed in a lush fantasy world filled with magic wielders and political intrigue. Thorley thoroughly utilizes descriptive language throughout the text, bolstering the imagery. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced adventure, enticed by all of the narrative’s twists and turns. A cast of morally gray supporting characters enhances the mystery and perils of war. The ending leaves readers eager to start the next part of the journey.