The Boy from Ilysies (Libyrinth)
Gr 8 Up-This sequel to Libyrinth (Tor, 2009) focuses less on the value of books and literacy and more on the struggles of two groups of people once alienated from one another by their beliefs, and now united in an effort to create a thriving community of both Singers and Libyrarians. Because of this change in direction, North has created that rare thing: a second book in a series that is stronger than the first. Po, a 15-year-old from Ilysies, was raised in a culture where women rule and men play a subservient role. He suffers enormous shock when exposed to the more liberal mores of the Libyrinth, and his need for a strong female consort and a meaningful life leads him to make choices that may ultimately result in the destruction of everything he has worked for. Readers who enjoy the world-building novels by Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey may also enjoy this series.-Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK (c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.