Title: Sacred Scars
Author: Kathleen Duey
First published January 1, 2009
554 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780689840951 (ISBN10: 0689840950)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
Sadima, Franklin, and Somiss have fled from Limòri after a suspicious fire. They now live in a cave hidden within the cliffs that overlook the city.
Somiss is determined to restore magic, and he believes that the dark passages of the caves were the home of ancient magicians. Sadima, however, dreams of escape for her, Franklin, and for the orphaned boys Somiss has captured.
These boys are being held in a crowded cage, and Somiss claims he will teach them magic. But Sadima knows the truth.
Generations later, Hahp is struggling to survive the dangerous classes of the Limòri Academy of Magic. He and his secretive roommate, Gerrard, have formed a fragile pact, but it won’t be enough to end the evil that lurks within the academy.
To have any chance of destroying it, all the students must work together. However, building trust is almost impossible with few chances to speak or plan.
Will they succeed, or will the academy continue to be a place of darkness and danger?
About the Author
Kathleen Duey was a Colorado native who had a deep appreciation for nature. She loved spending time with her horses, exploring the mountains, and getting lost in a good book.
Even as a child, Kathleen was drawn to writing and would often share her stories with anyone who would listen. However, it wasn’t until she reached the age of 35 that she finally pursued her dream of becoming an author.
Writing became her passion and she poured her heart and soul into it.
Unfortunately, Kathleen’s life was cut short when she passed away from cardiac arrest in her home in Fallbrook, California at the age of 69. In her later years, she struggled with dementia which prevented her from finishing her Skin Hunger trilogy.
Despite this setback, Kathleen’s legacy as a talented and passionate writer will live on through her previous works.
Editoral Review
Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey is a young adult fantasy novel, first published in 2009. Duey is an American author who has written over 70 books for children and young adults.
Sacred Scars is the second book in the trilogy that began with Skin Hunger, which follows two main characters, Sadima and Hahp, as they navigate a world of magic, politics, and oppression.
Set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, Sacred Scars picks up where Skin Hunger left off.
Sadima has escaped from imprisonment in the city and is traveling with a magician named Franklin. Meanwhile, Hahp is still trapped in the city, undergoing brutal magical training and experiencing painful visions of a dark force that threatens the safety of the world.
As Sadima and Franklin search for a way to help Hahp, they encounter new friends and enemies, uncover secrets about the past, and confront the harsh realities of power and corruption that plague their world. Duey’s writing style is elegant and evocative, creating vivid images and atmospheres that immerse the reader in the story.
The world-building is intricate and well-crafted, with detailed descriptions of magic, politics, and culture that make the setting feel both familiar and fantastical. The characters are complex and compelling, with believable motivations and realistic flaws that make them relatable despite their extraordinary circumstances.
One of the strengths of Sacred Scars is its exploration of power dynamics and trauma. The characters face physical and emotional abuse, manipulation, and exploitation, and the novel does not shy away from depicting the effects of these experiences on their psyches and relationships.
The themes of resilience, healing, and agency are woven throughout the narrative, offering a message of hope and empowerment for readers who may have experienced similar struggles. Another strength of the novel is its use of foreshadowing and suspense.
The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, keeping the reader on edge and invested in the outcome. The pacing is slow at times, but this allows for deeper character development and an immersive reading experience.
However, the novel does have some flaws. The world-building can be overwhelming and confusing at times, with new concepts and terminology introduced without proper explanation.
The plot is also somewhat predictable, with certain twists and revelations feeling contrived or clichd. Additionally, some of the character arcs feel rushed or incomplete, leaving the reader wanting more closure or development.
Overall, Sacred Scars is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of high fantasy and magical realism. It tackles challenging themes with honesty and sensitivity, while also providing a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
It is recommended for readers aged 14 and up, due to mature content and themes of violence and trauma. This reviewer gives Sacred Scars a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
