The Canticle of Whispers by David Whitley - OPTIONAL

Whitley, David.  The Canticle of Whispers (Agora Trilogy).  Roaring Book Press (Macmillan), 2013.  $17.99. 387 pages.  

Language – G.  Mature Content – G.  Violence – PG.  

In the concluding chapter of the trilogy (The Midnight Charter, 2009 and The Children of the Lost, 2011), Mark has been separated from his friend Lily and is a fugitive hiding because he stole something from the Director.  The something is actually a person, Cherubina Snutworth, the wife of the Director.  Previously he found her as a prisoner in the tower and helped her escape.  Cherubina is not so grateful now.  She is sick of hiding and joins a rebel group.  Meanwhile Lily is found by two members of the Choir in underground tunnels and caverns.  The two Choir members require information from Lily before they will give her food.  They have never been above the ground and have questions about everything.  So does Lily.  Her questions lead her to the Oracle and a truth that could change everything in Giseth, Agora, and the Canticle.  

The story is world-building and original, but one main story thread is very reminiscent of City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.  Readers of the series will be pleased that ends are tied up and romances successful.  This book is definitely a part of a trilogy and would not make sense without reading the previous books.  Purchase only if the first two books of the series are popular at your library. 

MS/HS – OPTIONAL.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.