The Plagues of Kondar

Gr 6 Up—Arien is left alone on a settlement of Kondar called Katannya after her parents are tragically killed. Due to the patriarchal nature of the societies, she must be taken in, and is, by the Chief Seer of Vor, Yaddair. What follows is a perplexing mishmash of "plagues," such as Obscurans, batlike creatures that fall from the sky. The heroine must rise above it all with hopes to reunite with her love, Radol. Kositsky's science fiction novel begins with a confusing and unnecessary near-speak to which readers must acclimate before they can orient themselves to the plot. For instance, "flutterer" means bird, "Icer" is equivalent to winter, and "lugger" is the term used for shoe. Even though kids may be able to stumble through this jargon that adds little to the story, a weak plotline will do little to engage them. One to miss except for the most rabid science fiction fans.—Amanda C. Buschmann, Atascocita Middle School, Humble, TX