Review: A story of courage and strength
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2012
I am Anya and I am nothing.Eleven-year-old Anya is an orphan being raised by her hateful and vicious aunt. She endures mental and physical abuse because of the similarities she shares with her mother, whom her aunt despised. Eva, Anya's "Shadow," loyally stands by Anya through her distress and conjures up a plan that leads them across the dangerous desert away from their life of slavery. A city set between the sea and the desert has its own secrets and danger awaiting Anya and Eva.Anya's abuse is intense and it is a wonder she stays strong throughout it all. I became caught up in Anya's struggles and minor victories. I enjoyed the many characters that entered Anya's life and affected her in different ways. While it is never clear where or when this story takes place, the author tells the story so smoothly that while I was curious, it didn't take away from anything. I think I would have liked to read additional background about Anya's parents, along with more details regarding the people known as "Shadows." Zoe Brooks does a wonderful job giving Anya a new persona each time she changed her identity in an attempt to protect herself and Eva.