A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award longlist selectionThe first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times–bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America. Walk on Earth a Stranger begins an epic saga from one of the finest … on Earth a Stranger begins an epic saga from one of the finest writers of young adult literature.
Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety?
Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns series, dazzles with the first book in the Gold Seer Trilogy, introducing a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance, as only she can.
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This is book 1 of a fabulous YA trilogy by Rae Carson. This story is a crossover between historical and speculative fiction; it’s set in the gold rush era of US history, but includes a character with special powers. It features a strong female lead who refuses to play the role that is expected of women of the time period. The refreshingly diverse cast of characters brings unique perspectives to the narrative. Highly recommend!
Walk on Earth a Stranger is on sale today for $1.99 (sadly, not a BookBub deal). Rae Carson’s other trilogy, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, ranks among my favorite books — YA or any genre.
Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first in a new trilogy, isn’t quite as strong, but it’s still great. It’s set during the California Gold Rush with a character who must hide her magical ability to sense gold. After her parents are murdered by her gold-crazed uncle, their killer becomes her guardian. To escape this fate, she disguises herself as a boy and joins a wagon train headed west. The novel has well-researched world-building and great characters that explore themes of equality on many levels.
I love Rae Carson. Her The Girl of Fire and Thorns Complete Collection completely blew me away, so obviously I had her new trilogy on my radar. This first installment prepares readers for a fascinating gold-rush historical setting with a strong heroine who possesses a touch of very convenient magic. This book seems to be pure set-up in my perspective but I look forward to seeing what this desperate story evolves into. Rae Carson is more than capable of delivering awesomeness and I can’t wait!
My favorite quote:
“The harm we do others always comes back around.”
I do so love novels that are realistic with just one slight supernatural element — I even wrote one, The Magician’s Lie! — and fell deeply in love with this book. Detailed, compelling historical fiction about a runaway young woman fleeing from Georgia to California, and how her magical talent for finding gold is both a gift and a curse. First in a trilogy and totally devourable.
It was great! A really REALLY well written story. It’s also very historical, shes in the gold rush. This book is in a trilogy as well so if you like this one-the first one-there’s more! It’s called The Gold Seers Trilogy by Rae Carson. Five stars whole thing! TOTALLY WORTH THE READ!!!
“Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.”
This is the story that follows Leah “Lee” Westfall who is just fifteen years old and has a gift unlike any other. One day after school she arrives to find her parents murdered on their homestead. With a final warning from her dying mother, “Trust someone”, Lee is now an orphan facing some big decisions. Some of these decisions are unheard of for a young woman in her day but she still has to make them. This story follows Lee as she experiences loss, a journey westward, finding her freedom figuring out who she is, and finding family in the most unlikely place. I will not say more as I really do not like spoilers. I can’t wait to dive into book two.
An absolutely thrilling page-turner
I devoured this book, and it had been a really long time since I’d done that.
I love Rae Carson and it is so easy for me to get caught up in her writing. This one was no different. Leah is an amazing and strong character that I instantly fell in love with. She is strong and resourceful, smart, and fierce. When she is forced to become a runaway fleeing from her greedy uncle to California, Leah is forced to look and act like a boy while she travels with her best friend and a group of people. I love her relationship with Jeffrey. They are close and understand each other so well. There relationship never wavers despite her secrets and his growing affection for a young girl their traveling with. Jeffrey is a character you slowly start to love and you discover the type of person he is and before you know your completely in love with him.
Although I thought more of this book was going to center around Leah’s ability to sense gold, it does still come into play as they travel to California. But Leah’s journey is also very exciting and addictive to read about. It almost reminds me of Vengeance Road or Sawbones. Leah discover a lot of things about herself and others. She finds that family isn’t always about who’s your blood and trusting others.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Rae Carson is one of my favorites and I love her female heroines. I am very excited to see what’s in store for Leah in California.
Great mix of magic/fantasy, and historical fiction, set in the time of the gold rush. It’s easy to root for the main character, and the book feels complete, while still leaving the reader curious where the story will take you in the next book.