The Safe-Keeper's Secret, by Sharon Shinn
Young Adult, 2004
Damiana is Safe-Keeper for the village of Tambleham. One night she is entrusted with a secret - and a child, who she raises alongside her own. As Reed and Fiona grow, they discover who they are, what they're meant to be, and that some things are not what they seem.
I've read this book a few times, and am reviewing it because of my recent read of The Truth-Teller's Tale, which is reviewed below. I enjoy this book particularly because of how real the world that Shinn has created seems to me. I love the Wintermoon celebration, and the interactions of the characters, and enjoy the relaxed even-flowing plot. The ending seemed a bit unfinished, but I think it was this particular plot line, as Shinn's other books always finish just fine. Graded a B+.
The Truth-Teller's Tale, by Sharon Shinn
Young Adult, 2005
Mirror Twins Adele and Edela are respectively the Safe-Keeper and Truth-Teller for their small town. Many people come to them for guidance; particularly their young friend Roelynn Karro, whose father is determined to marry the prince. With the arrival of a dancing master and his apprentice, they learn that some secrets should be told, and some truths hidden, and that everything isn't quite what it seems.
Another delight from Sharon Shinn, I particularly appreciated the growing-up years of the twins. The ending was as it should be, with no loose ends, although the scene where Roelynn's father gets his comeuppance seemed a little confusing or perhaps too fast. My reservations in recommending this book would be the very light references to sex, including a sentence where Eleda is told of a girl getting raped. It does not glorify any of this, however, and even suggests that waiting until you're older and wiser is a better course of action. That said, I'd just remind parents that this book is young adult for a reason. When in doubt, read it for yourself. Graded a B.
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