From School Library Journal

Grade 5–7—The faery world is crumbling. During a disaster called the Sundering, these small, fragile, winged creatures lost all of their magic save that which allows them to fly, and they live inside a great oak tree, fearful of people and animals. True friendship and love are foreign to them. Worse, they are falling victim to a kind of dementia they call the Silence, and are dying. Into this picture comes Knife: tough, brave, adventurous, and soon taking on the job of Queen's Hunter. While defending herself against an attacking crow, she is rescued and taken home by a human. Knife becomes convinced that the mystery of their lost magic and the dementia are connected to the faeries' fear of humans and becomes committed to saving her community. The heart of the book lies in the relationship that develops between Knife and the human Paul, who is a paraplegic. Anderson draws on echoes from countless fairy tales and legends about the relationships between human men and faerie women to enrich this gripping and involving story. While the main characters are vividly drawn, some of the secondary characters and background story are sketched more hastily. Though the book looks like it's for a younger audience, middle-school readers who are willing to stay with the story through its first third will find ample rewards as the relationship between Knife and Paul evolves.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
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Review

“Anderson crafts lore-true characters in our modern world. I was overjoyed to find this gem.” (Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of WICKED LOVELY )

“FAERY REBELS: SPELL HUNTER has the charm of Mary Norton’s THE BORROWERS and the edge of Holly Black’s TITHE.” (Megan Whalen Turner, author of the Newbery Honor Book THE THIEF )

“This is the best kind of fantasy: a book that makes faeries wonderfully real and maybe even living in our own backyards.” (Sarah Prineas, author of THE MAGIC THIEF )

“Pure pleasure.... A particularly charming, well-drawn romantic thriller. Highly Recommended.” (The Times (London) )

“Knife is just my kind of heroine—strong and independent, with a huge helping of curiosity to get her into trouble, and the bravery and intelligence to get out of trouble again and again.” (Patricia C. Wrede, author of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles )

“Anderson is a gifted writer with a sure touch for both characterization and plot, and Knife is an absolutely fantastic protagonist – fiercely independent and curious. This book is a page–turning romp.” (Romantic Times )

“Readers will be racing through the pages right along with Knife to discover the fate of her world and her love.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books )

“A highly readable, sophisticated tale of romance and self–sacrifice. Readers will hope for more from this talented new author.” (ALA Booklist )

“A gripping and involving story.” (School Library Journal )

“Anderson creates a fascinating world. This compelling story is full of adventure and mystery.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) )