From the New York Times-bestselling author, the long-awaited sequel to East, filled with ”adventures both fantastic and emotionally authentic” (School Library Journal, starred review). When Rose first met Charles, he was trapped in the form of a white bear. To rescue him, Rose traveled to the land that lay east of the sun and west of the moon to defeat the evil Troll Queen. Now Rose has found … defeat the evil Troll Queen. Now Rose has found her happily-ever-after with Charles–until a sudden storm destroys his ship and he is presumed dead.
But Rose doesn’t believe the shipwreck was an act of nature, nor does she believe Charles is truly dead. Something much more sinister is at work. With mysterious and unstoppable forces threatening the lives of the people she loves, Rose must once again set off on a perilous journey. And this time, the fate of the entire world is at stake, in this thrilling tale of danger, magic, adventure, and revenge–the follow-up to the beloved high fantasy East, which was nominated as one of NPR’s list of all-time best young adult novels.
“Humans and characters from magic fight for love and life against a dreadful enemy. I could hardly breathe as they battle for the fate of the world. There isn’t a dull moment.” –Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Song of the Lioness series
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A beautifully written fable of good vs. evil, love against hate and courage, selflessness, and determination in spite of unconquerable odds.
I had loved East, so when I saw that Ms. Pattou was writing a sequel I had mixed feelings. Excitement-because I had loved everything about East. Dread–That my love of East would be ruined.
I had both low and high expectations. But somehow this book managed to live up to both.
I have re-read East a couple of times so you could say that I am biased. I was sad at first that Rose and her White Bear couldn’t just be happy and live a modest life, yet Rose, being adventurous by nature would have never been satisfied to have a quiet existence. In some ways I agree that this book lacks the magic of its predecessor, but in other ways I think that the magic is stronger. Rose’s love for her small family is tested, she must risk everything, fighting for the ones that she loves, knowing that she might be forced to give them up. Her heartaches cut to the bone. But Rose isn’t the girl that she was when she first loved the White Bear, she has grown, matured, and become more independent, learning from her mistakes.
I think that while different than East, West compliments it well, exploring different relationships while delving deeper into existing storylines. West is a satisfying sequel, the stakes are higher, and the characters have grown. The things that I am tempted to say that I didn’t like are what make it stronger. If you read East, I think this is definitely worth a read.
After so long a pause between ‘East’ and ‘West’, I had lower expectations for this story. Was it a cash-grab? How could Rose’s story possibly go on? And yet go on it did, into a fantastic, beautiful story about the love of a wife and mother as she tried to protect and save her family.
Rose is just as wonderful a character as she was in the first book. Delving even deeper into her mind, we get to see the maturity that she developed in the first book guide her and grow even more in this one. With old enemies, new friends, and more mythology, all written in a superb style that truly speaks to the heart, this book is an excellent sequel to Rose’s initial adventures with her white bear and her journey to the place that lies east of the sun and west of the moon.
Enthralling beyond even ‘East’ this book helps us to dive deeper into this grand world that author Edith Pattou has lovingly crafted. One of the best sequels I’ve ever read! If you love mythology, definitely pick up this series and give it a try. You won’t regret it!
After rescuing her White Bear prince in the previous book, Rose is living happily with Charles and their children Estelle and Winn, but not happily ever after. When she travels to visit her parents, she learns that Charles’ own ship has been shipwrecked. As Rose tries to trace his whereabouts, Winn and Estelle disappear, and Rose learns that the Troll Queen is still alive…plotting revenge. With the help of a friend who can control the winds, Rose must risk everything to save her husband and children, traveling first to Mont Blanc in the Alps and then to a mythical island outside of Scotland where three otherworldly sisters have some impossible tasks for her to accomplish. A
When I read the first book in this duology, East, I was dazzled by the beautiful portrayal of the fairy tale and the strong narrative voice of Rose and the White Bear. As a sequel, this second book does not disappoint. Rose demonstrates that being a mother has only increased the power of her devotion and the lengths to which she will go to save those she loves. (No spoilers, but look out for the scene with the “bone key” at the end….) Charles in his human form gains more of a personality in the book, and the delight of seeing him fall in love with Rose a second time echoes through the clean, crisp prose. This book would make a wonderful fantasy film. Recommended.