The Naming

The Naming
By Alison Croggon
Candlewick Press, 2005. 492 pgs. Young Adult

Sixteen-year-old orphan Maerad leads a miserable life as a slave, until a mysterious man named Cadvan appears in her prison and offers to take her with him to freedom. As they escape together, it becomes clear that Cadvan is in possession of special abilities, and to their surprise, they discover that Maerad has the same abilities - to an intense degree. As Maerad begins to learn about the world around her - the world she never knew as a slave - her true identity begins to unfold and she realizes that her place in the world is more vital than she ever thought.

This is a classic young adult fantasy that I enjoyed from start to finish. The main character is likable and easy to identify with, and although some elements seem a bit cliche, it was easy to get swept away in the story. In the tradition of Tolkien, a whole history of an ancient language and culture undergirds the story, which unfolds to Maerad slowly as we follow her on her journey. I think this is one for the die-hard fantasy fans and young adult fiction fans alike.

BHG