Summary
Because Eff was born a thirteenth child, she is supposed to bring bad things to those around her, including her family. Even though her family knows this, they move close to the barrier that settlers from the magical creatures of the Wild West. Eff's twin brother, Lan is supposed to bring luck, because he is the seventh son of the seventh son.
My Impressions
This book moves a little slow. It was probably one of my least favorite of our readings. That said, I must admit that I am not a big fan of Fantasy. It seems like Eff is meek and not very assertive.
Reviews
Eff's life in Lan's shadow will ring true to all siblings of a particularly talented child, but at the conclusion it's Eff who uses her own magic to rescue her twin. Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's "Alvin Maker" books (Tor), this is an interesting, but often slow-moving tale.-Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
This book will require patient readers who like their fantasies low impact. For a livelier American frontier with magic, suggest Orson Scott Card's Tales of Alvin Maker series.-Rebecca Moore. Fans of Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles will snatch up Thirteenth Child, encouraged by the dragon on the cover to expect another beautifully written and lighthearted fairytale. Although the book is beautifully written and certainly has its amusing moments, the cover is deceptive; mystical creatures and magic come into the story only as a detail. The book is much more about the characters' individual lives, which, although fascinating, are not what readers will anticipate. -Hannah Preisinger, Teen Reviewer.
Voice of Youth Advocates
Usage in a Library Setting
This would start a good discussion on magic and could lead to many other Fantasy books.
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