Title: The Shamer’s Signet
Author: Lene Kaaberbøl
First published January 1, 2001
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780805082173 (ISBN10: 0805082174)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Meet Dina, a young Shamer who possesses the power to reveal people’s darkest secrets with just one look. But her newfound ability has left her feeling uncomfortable, and even her own brother Davin is afraid to look her in the eye.
Unfortunately, danger lurks around every corner and Dina soon finds herself kidnapped and forced to use her powers against innocent people. Desperate to escape, Dina turns to her brother for help.
Can they find a way out before it’s too late? Join Dina on her thrilling journey as she fights to regain control of her life and her abilities in the face of grave danger.
About the Author
I was born on March 24, 1960 at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. The head doctor was in formal attire, having left a fancy dinner party to attend my birth.
My sister insists that it’s not a big deal, since her own birth doctor was wearing Icelandic national dress. Some might argue that this was a sign that I was special from the very beginning, while others might suggest that my mother was simply prone to sudden gynecological crises.
Although I was born in Copenhagen, my parents are both from Jutland and I grew up there, mostly in Malling near Århus. Now I consider myself an exiled Jutlander living on Frederiksberg, which my Jutlandic friends refer to as “Devil’s Island” (Sjælland).
I’ve always been a writer, or at least since I moved beyond the stage of writing “Ole saw a pig”. As a horse-crazy teenager, I wrote a series of books about Tina and the horses (the first two were published when I was fifteen and the fourth and final one when I was seventeen).
At eighteen, I discovered Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, followed by Ursula K. LeGuin’s Earthsea trilogy, and ever since my heart has beat for adventure, dragon’s blood, and worlds that are at least three steps to the right of the rainbow or the Milky Way, and well away from the asphalted reality of Denmark.
Today, around thirty books later, I am still hopelessly in love with writing. And although I took a brief detour into the world of crime and wrote a mystery novel for adults (you can read more about it on ninaborg.dk if you’re interested), I am still a children’s book author at heart and still have a penchant for magical moments!
As for my personal life, I graduated from Århus University with a degree in English and drama. When I’m not writing, I enjoy playing pentanque.
I’ve had a variety of jobs in the past, including high school teacher, copywriter, publishing company editor, cleaning assistant, and riding teacher. Currently, I am the owner and writer at Phabel & Plott ApS in Copenhagen, Denmark.
I was honored to receive the Best Disney Novel Writer of the Year award at the Disney Worldwide Artist Convention in 2001 for my work on five novels in the “W.I.T.C.H.” series.
Editoral Review
Lene Kaaberbls The Shamers Signet is an exceptional example of a young adult fantasy book. First published on January 1, 2001, The Shamers Signet introduces readers to a medieval world filled with fantastical creatures, political intrigue, and complex characters.
Kaaberbl is an accomplished children’s author, having written numerous books in multiple languages. The book follows Dina, a young girl who is the daughter of a shamer, a person who can see the innermost thoughts of others.
Her mother is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, and Dina must use her shaming powers to prove her innocence. Along with her best friend, Nico, Dina embarks on a heart-racing adventure filled with outcasts, danger, and a powerful, mystical artifact called the Shamers Signet.
The world-building in this novel is exceptional, and the author leaves no stone unturned. Each creature, each location, and each character is fully fleshed out with vivid descriptions, distinct personalities, and complex motivations.
The setting is particularly noteworthy, as the book is set in a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The knights, kings, and queens feel like they were taken straight out of a history book, while magical creatures like trolls and wraiths add a fantastic element to the story.
The characters, especially Dina and Nico, are well-drawn and endearing. Dina is a strong, empathetic heroine, and it is easy to root for her as she navigates the complicated political landscape of her world.
Nico is also a lovable character, and his relationship with Dina is one of the highlights of the book. Their friendship is the bedrock of the story and is genuinely heartwarming.
The book has a well-structured plot that moves at a brisk pace. The story is perfectly balanced between action and character development, and the use of suspense creates a compelling page-turner.
The writing is also excellent, and Kaaberbl’s prose is engaging and descriptive. She has a talent for writing vivid descriptions that make the world she created come alive, which speaks to her strengths as a children’s author.
One of the book’s strengths is its treatment of serious topics such as injustice, prejudice, and corruption. The story touches on these issues without feeling heavy-handed or preachy, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative.
Despite its many strengths, The Shamers Signet does have some minor flaws. The story falls on some well-worn tropes of fantasy literature, such as a young hero embarking on a quest to save the world.
Also, some plot points could have been developed further to create a more satisfying resolution to the story. Overall, The Shamers Signet is a must-read for fans of the young adult fantasy genre.
It offers a well-crafted, engaging story that highlights important issues while remaining entertaining. Kaaberbl is a talented author, and her ability to create complex characters and stories is evident in every page of the book.
The book is recommended for readers aged 12 and up, and it is sure to capture the hearts of young adults and older readers alike. The Shamers Signet is a captivating read that is heartfelt and soulful, making it an excellent addition to any young adult fantasy bookshelf.
I give The Shamers Signet a rating of 4 out of 5, based on its great world-building, engaging plot, distinct characters, excellent writing style, and thoughtful themes.
