SKY CARVER

A flowing quest explores industrialization and personal magical talents through three likable characters. Thomas Painter, 13, hates his apprenticeship (painting, naturally) and wants only to carve wood. Is carving his magical talent? Is weather? A weather wand falls from the sky and signs send him on a cryptic journey. Changing his name to Carver, he traverses plateaus that lead down to the ocean, befriending snappy Raven (a girl in raven form) and loyal Fireboy. Fireboy and Raven are grayfolk: Their skin is gray, though the concept goes unexplored. The gloomy, polluted city they find has been placed under a no-magic spell by the legendary mage they seek for answers. Their confrontation with him requires difficult choices and brings clarity about Carver’s long-gone parents and about what kind of magic is really his own. Finally centered, he heads back upriver to his tiny unindustrialized town while Fireboy stays in the city and Raven flies everywhere. A nice blend of introspection and action. (Fantasy. 10-13)