Spirit's Chosen (Princesses of Myth)
Lady Himiko is back, and she is now a full-fledged shaman. But the Ookami (wolf) clan has attacked the Matsu clan’s village, killing Himiko’s chieftain father and two of her older brothers and kidnapping her younger brother, Noboru, as a slave. Himiko’s mother cracks under the strain, and Himiko and her friend Kaya set off on a dangerous journey to rescue Noboru. The girls find help where they least expect it, and they survive horrific treatment, but not without significant loss for Himiko. Friesner knows Japanese culture and history well, citing folklore to excellent effect and addressing customs and mores. A satisfying, action-packed sequel to Spirit’s Princess (2012). Grades 6-9. --Debbie Carton