Finalist for the 2008 National Book Award in Young People's Literature Category

Duey, Kathleen. A Resurrection of Magic-Book One: Skin Hunger

Two stories that take place centuries apart are connected with the single concept of magic. In one story, magic is banned by kings in the place where Sadima, a girl who lost her mother on the day she was born to a fake magician, and who has the ability to communicate with animals lives. After her father dies, she decides to leave her brother and move to the city to find Franklin. When she finds him, she falls in love with him but is desperate because Franklin is a slave that belongs to Somiss, a man who is trying to restore magic. In the other story, magic is only available to people who can afford to pay schooling to train young men. Hahp is the second child of a wealthy family and he is forced to attend a school of magic. He had no choice because every other school he has attended has suspended him for bad behavior. Now he finds out he can do more with his life. He is actually the first one to make food in a magical stone. He knows he is going to succeed in this school where only one will succeed and the rest may end up dead. The two stories are connecting more and more as the stories progress. Great story that engages the reader into each of the chapters. As you read each page, you will feel so attracted and interested in the stories that you will not stop reading until you finish the book. It is wonderful how Kathleen Duey connects the two stories with very little information at a time. This book is not suitable for children under 12 years because of the magic, and some scenes that involve some sexual thoughts.