Details
Synopsis
Will Lansa visits his father, who is the tribal police chief on the Hopi reservation in northern Arizona, and learns about some sacred Hopi traditions while he helps investigate several murders.
| Size | | Length: | 207 pages | | Height: | 8.5 in | | Width: | 6.0 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 14.4 oz |
Industry Reviews
Gr 7-10 This novel is luxuriant in cultural detail and even includes a glossary of Hopi terms, but it's lean in story line, setting, and characterization. Will's summer visit with his father, the Hopi tribal police chief, gives the teen the chance to explore his heritage, find romance, help solve two grisly murders, and derail a kidnapping. Will's adversary is a red-caped madman who believes himself to be Pahana, the legendary Hopi savior. This villain kills in order to recover a sacred tablet he believes is necessary to bring about the Day of Purification for his people. Those scenes that portray the murderer in the throes of his delusion are the most fascinating and vivid in this fictional landscape. However, for good storytelling, YAs will prefer the rich characters and clear sense of place that abound in Tony Hillerman's Navajo reservation mysteries. Prophecy Rock gets a B+ for multicultural effort, but as a mystery it's barely passing. It's best summed up as Hillerman meets the YA Problem Novel, and the result is not a compelling read, however well intentioned. Doris A. Fong, Benson Polytechnic High School, Portland, OR
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