Spirited (Once upon a Time Series)

War. Rage. Magic. Love.

In May 1756 war is formally declared between the British and the French. During this highly dangerous time, Isabella Sevens is travelling with her father to the British stronghold Fort William Henry.

In the forest, Wusamequin, the young and handsome medicine man, looks to avenge the death of his wife and child at the hands of British soldiers. When Wusamequin spots Isabella and her father, he alerts his warriors to capture them. But Wusamequin is quite taken with how bravely Isabella battles. He orders the warriors to spare her and her tfather, and they are dragged back to their village. However, many members of the Mohican tribe still want them to be killed. In a desperate plea to Wusamequin, Isabella vows to stay as his hostage if he lets her father go.

In May 1756 war is formally declared between the British and the French. During this highly dangerous time, Isabella Sevens is travelling with her father to the British stronghold Fort William Henry.

In the forest, Wusamequin, the young and handsome medicine man, looks to avenge the death of his wife and child at the hands of British soldiers. When Wusamequin spots Isabella and her father, he alerts his warriors to capture them. But Wusamequin is quite taken with how bravely Isabella battles. He orders the warriors to spare her and her tfather, and they are dragged back to their village. However, many members of the Mohican tribe still want them to be killed. In a desperate plea to Wusamequin, Isabella vows to stay as his hostage if he lets her father go.

Claire Rosser - KLIATT

This is a historical novel with the passion of the film The Last of the Mohicans (an inspiration to the author). It also includes an interpretation of Native American spirituality, with little people (faeries), interpretation of dreams, healing, and fantastical powers. Holder has written numerous works of supernatural fiction, including many novels about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She knows well what appeals to YA readers. The main character, Isabella, is British, accompanying her father to Fort William Henry in the midst of the French and Indian War. In the wilderness, the small party is attacked by Mohicans and Isabella and her father are taken hostage. Her father gets away and Isabella is wounded accidentally and nursed to health by the young shaman of the tribe, Wusamequin. These two come to realize their spiritual efforts together create a power that surpasses anything either has known separately. The young white woman and the Indian shaman are connected in some way, they slowly come to realize. Throughout, there is plenty of action as the raids occur, the war continues, and both Isabella (known now as Mahwah) and Wusamequin face hostility within their own cultures. A dramatic story that will thrill many readers. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2004, Simon & Schuster, Pulse, 257p., Ages 12 to 18.

Nancy Holder has published sixty books and more than two hundred short stories. She has received four Bram Stoker awards for fiction from the Horror Writers Association, and her books have been translated into more than two dozen languages. She has written or cowritten twenty Buffy and Angel projects. Her books from Simon Pulse include the New York Times bestselling series Wicked and the novel The Rose Bride. A graduate of the University of California at San Diego, Nancy is currently a writing teacher at the school. She lives in San Diego with her daughter, Belle, and their growing assortment of pets. Visit her at nancyholder.com.