Racing the Dark - (Spirit Binders) by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

A brilliant new novel from a debut author, "Racing the Dark" is set in a land of volcanoes and earthquakes, plagues and typhoons, of island nations bound by fear of the spirits they imprisoned to control their volatile environment.

Book Synopsis

Like the other women of her island, Lana expected to become a diver, harvesting jewels from a native fish. But during her initiation dive, she finds a blood-red jewel that marks her as someone with power. Though she hides the jewel, the mark it represents will drive her away from her home island and into an apprenticeship with a one-armed witch. Alaya Dawn Johnson has created an unforgettable coming-of-age story set in a world where wielding the power of magic requires understanding the true meaning of sacrifice.

Review Quotes

This is a terrific coming of age fantasy thriller starring a thirteen year old girl whose rite of passage into adulthood takes a dark turn when she finds the special blood gem. Readers will feel they have entered Johnsons Island (not the military base in the Pacific) realm as the geography and climate come across rather influentially and powerfully."--Harriet Klausner, October 29, 2007 "Alternative-Worlds.com "