Undrowned

Gr 9 Up–In the ancient past, supernatural Patrons spared Terra when they drowned the rest of the world. Though they remain affiliated with the five Terran clans, most people consider the Patrons myths, including Jasper, son of a diplomat from the Fox clan. What changes the 15-year-old’s mind? It starts with his contrived murder conviction for freeing a shapeshifter in Tiger clan territory. Lies told by 16-year-old Harissa Delmar, an impoverished assassin-level fighter from the Tiger clan, clinched his death sentence. In exchange, Harissa was falsely promised medical care for her dementia-suffering mother. With help, Jasper and Harissa separately escape their situations, but the power-hungry Tiger clan leader is hot on their trails. DiDesidero (Chickasaw) has created a complex, sometimes confusing world that shines brightest in the supernatural elements: the Patrons, some of which are connected to Native American stories, and the evocatively described Underworld. Full-color illustrations bring the world further to life. Main and secondary characters are memorable and thought-provoking, particularly the hotheaded Jasper and morally gray Harissa. However, the multitude of additional characters are harder to keep straight. With both Jasper’s and Harissa’s viewpoints, the story unfolds at a good clip, and the ending indicates sequels to come. There is significant violence and killing. Jasper has red hair and pale skin. Harissa has brown skin and black hair.