From the Publisher
"The magical, Old West–flavored setting stands out, and Gussy’s folksy voice matches it well. Offers a distinctive setting, a creepy magical threat, and a whole lot of heart." — Kirkus Reviews
"Cajoleas gracefully builds to a rousing climax, portrayed alongside a refreshingly positive message of grit, gumption, and community." — Publishers Weekly
"Gussy narrates with a down-home storytelling flare that, along with her candid attitude, makes her a real pleasure to spend time with. Cajoleas threads interesting ideas about religion and respecting nature through the narrative... Readers interested in character and world building will find Gussy’s town well worth visiting." — Booklist
"Gussy’s colloquial narrative voice is compelling, highlighting her deep sense of justice and responsibility for her community. Younger fantasy fans will appreciate the world building that slowly reveals details suggesting a foreboding Wild West setting." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Booklist
"Gussy narrates with a down-home storytelling flare that, along with her candid attitude, makes her a real pleasure to spend time with. Cajoleas threads interesting ideas about religion and respecting nature through the narrative... Readers interested in character and world building will find Gussy’s town well worth visiting."
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Gussy’s colloquial narrative voice is compelling, highlighting her deep sense of justice and responsibility for her community. Younger fantasy fans will appreciate the world building that slowly reveals details suggesting a foreboding Wild West setting."
Booklist
"Gussy narrates with a down-home storytelling flare that, along with her candid attitude, makes her a real pleasure to spend time with. Cajoleas threads interesting ideas about religion and respecting nature through the narrative... Readers interested in character and world building will find Gussy’s town well worth visiting."
Kirkus Reviews
2021-09-15
A girl must protect her town from threats both external and within.
Gussy, short for Gustavina, has been raised by Grandpa Widow to take up his mantle of Protector of their desert village. This means being able to precisely perform all of the Rites that keep the Great Doom that lurks outside the village at bay. When Grandpa Widow is summoned away, Gussy’s left to be sole Protector. The first night, she breaks the most important rule, opening the gate at night to save the life of a strange girl trapped in a storm. Gussy has to keep mysterious Angeline a secret while also holding her town together and trying to live up to the responsibility with which she’s been burdened. Worse, it seems like someone is sabotaging the Rites, increasing the risk from the Great Doom that is always waiting for a chance to slip in. Gussy must figure out who to team up with and who isn’t trustworthy if she’s to defend the town. The threats get increasingly dangerous until all players show their cards and there’s a full reckoning of old lies and debts coming due. The magical, Old West–flavored setting stands out, and Gussy’s folksy voice matches it well. A few surnames imply diverse ethnicities; most primary characters seem to default to White.
Offers a distinctive setting, a creepy magical threat, and a whole lot of heart. (Fantasy. 8-12)
