"A YA fantasy set in a kingdom of dangers"
Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
Posted September 28, 2015
Young Adult Science Fiction
What an unusual title for a Young Adult book! Let's find
out what's going on in this fantasy story, BEWARE THE SHEEP. Violet and Livi Dixon are siblings in a small town called
Primareaux, but Violet has been struck by a mysterious
illness that causes blackouts and fever. Her sister and
friend Benny are so worried that they risk a scolding by
going to a curiosity shop to ask the owner if he thinks
witchcraft could be the cause. He takes their money and
assures them that it's not, but doesn't give any help. Even
the mention of witches could be bad luck. In this kingdom a lengthy war was settled and three
crownships were established so that three people always
reign at the same time, sharing the duties. Livi hears
about this at school and also during a festival in town.
The kingdom is experiencing troubles at present and people
in the main city are said to be disappearing. Livi's
parents are dead and her aunt and guardian intend to take
the family away quietly to a Midlands village for Violet's
treatment. Livi doesn't want to go, but puts Violet first. I particularly like the flying ark in which Livi and Benny
travel, and the Befallen Forest where the trees have
been bespelled to tilt and get caught up in other branches
rather than grow straight. Here in the Midlands, Livi and
Benny are given bad news about Violet's condition. The only
known cure involves a plant grown in the Royal Greenhouse,
so it's out of the question, though mooncalf milk will do
some good. There are monsters stalking the Midlands; Livi
discovers an extra-sensory power in response to danger. I find a lot to pick up in this magical tale by M. Lewis-
Lerman, place names like Primaraux and Eternaux,
Cappagarrif and the wry Noauxware River. Certainly a young
reader will be engaged mastering all the concepts and
locations. Even though the kingdom is supposed to be at
peace, tribal conflicts rage and nowhere is all that safe.
The young friends have to learn archery and other weapons,
and grow in strength and determination as they plot a
journey to find Violet's cure. To a ruler, we learn the
people are but sheep. This is where the title BEWARE THE
SHEEP comes from as Livi and Benny prove their worth.
SUMMARY
When illness strikes her best friend and a maniacal
underground ruler wants to destroy all that is ‘different’,
16 year old Livi Dixon must lead -- not because of her
bravery or abilities -- but out of necessity and fear. With the hope of a cure, Livi makes a reckless gamble that
just may save her friend -- but at what cost? With her new allies (a strange and sundry group of outsiders
including a handsome escaped prisoner and a kind but
secretive old man), Livi sets off on a race against time,
looking deep within herself in order to defeat a faceless
enemy and (just maybe) manage to save her best friend in the
process. Livi's strength is tested, her character revealed, as an
attempt to save one life turns into a quest to protect
thousands. But is she enough to stop the shapeless evil
sinking its teeth into the ones she loves? And in the end,
will it even matter?
What do you think about this review?
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