snugglekitty

I read this book for the first time a few years ago, and it's been on my mind recently. So, after some help from

omnia_mutantur in refinding the title, I borrowed it from the library.

This book is really quite moving. In a land where the most blessed people are those who are spirit-linked with animals from birth, things sometimes go wrong. Kiarda has felt moody and disconnected all her life, never realizing that she was spirit-linked at birth with a fox kit her father accidentally killed. When the mating urges of her fox self call her into the forest, the consequences will be unimaginable - both to her and to her people.

This book has a library sticker on it that says YA, but I'm not sure I agree. Although there's no on-screen sex - the culture of the imagined country has a taboo against unmarried people of the same sex touching even casually -, the themes in the book would be pretty intense for some teens - betrayal, death, madness, religious fanaticism, corrupt leadership. If you think your teen might like it, read it yourself first.

For an adult, I think this book is very enjoyable. In addition to dealing with deeper issues, it also has a hopeful tone. The characters are interesting and believable, and they evolve over time. I'm really glad I read this book again. Four stars.