The Shamer's Daughter

The Shamer's Daughter
Kaaberbol, Lene
0805075410

The Shamer's Daughter was written in Danish and translated by the author into English. Dina, the narrator and protagonist of the story is almost eleven, but her adventures and the subject matter seem a tiny bit mature for a ten almost eleven-year-old. There are a couple minor curse words that do not detract from the story. This is basically a tale of good versus evil. Good as usually triumphs, but not without a certain amount of heartache. Dina Tonerre and her mother are 'shamers'. When an individual looks into their eyes all of the bad things a person has done vividly comes to mind leaving the person feeling ashamed and vulnerable. The person cannot lie to a shamer or hide any thoughts. For this reason most people won't look Dina and Melussina Tonerre, her mother in the eyes. The town doesn't consider them outcasts, but doesn't welcome them either. Melussina is summoned to a distant town to test a criminal to see if he is lying, when she doesn't return a rider comes for Dina and they both are swept into political intrigue that they may not survive. This book has it all, special abilities, dragons, adventure and action. A really good read!