The Battle for Carnillo

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are Cairo Kelly and the Mann, The Gamma War, The Tomorrow Tunnel, The
Trouble with Liberty, and Zee’s Way.

The Battle for Carnillo is the second book in The Estorian Chronicles, a
trilogy that follows the adventures of 12-year-old Dominique Elnedo as
he searches for “the stories from Beyond.” The first book, The Cave
of Departure (2001), finds Dominique banished from his storytelling
community for his failure to assume his responsibilities as a
storyteller. He is given a year and a day to rectify the situation—or
die. Believing that the Cave of Departure holds the answer to his
problems, Dominique makes his way there, only to discover that it is
merely the first stop on his journey.

In Book 2, Dominique’s continued quest takes him to Carnillo, where
he and his new companion, Campriano storyteller Amana Elnedo, find the
city in great turmoil. The Elder has died, and his cruel son, Emberto,
is wreaking havoc. But rebellion is afoot, and Dominique soon finds
himself working with a group of freedom fighters. When their hiding
place is discovered and they must search for new asylum, the rebels
become separated, and Dominique, Amana, and a Leranon named Sadriano
find themselves on a ship leaving Carnillo. In a compassionate bid to
help his ailing friends, Dominique sends Navina, his sacred and magical
kasyapa bird, back to the city.

And so the seeds are planted for Book 3. Will Navina return? Is
Dominique a prince? Will he find his father? Are he and Amana related?
Will the Leranons be freed? And most importantly, will Dominique find
his way back to his people? Recommended.