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Having escaped her village being burned to the ground and the brutal slaughter of her people by a savage tribe, Caipora relies on the training she received from her parents and grandparents to survive in the perilous South American jungle. Three months later, she is still reeling from the loss of her family and soul mate as she braves the Amazon rainforest alone. When she is saved from a vicious attack by the creatures of the wild, thirteen-year-old Caipora is commissioned by Queen Caelia of the Nevae wood elves to save the whole of Amazonia from an ancient, horrific evil whose greed is killing the forest and destroying the natural world. Equipped with a bow and arrows, magic potions, and a map, Caipora embarks on a journey to the summit of Pico da Neblina to free Verita, the Goddess of Good.
This is a wildly imaginative and utterly delightful work of young adult fiction. Burbeck’s skillful, descriptive writing style vividly captures the lush scenery of the Amazon Rainforest. Painstakingly detailed character portrayals draw readers into a world that is a creative blend of nature, mystical creatures, and South American culture. The author weaves gender roles, arranged marriages, culinary traditions, cultural beliefs, and spiritual rituals into an engaging tapestry of female empowerment and strength. The book provides a stark contrast between Caipora’s low self-image and her indomitable spirit and resilience. The character development is both skillful and compelling. Burbeck leaves young adult readers with the clear but powerful message that they are capable of so much more than they could ever imagine.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review