The Land of Silver Apples (#2)
Jack has caused an earthquake. He was trying to save his sister Lucy from being thrown down a well, but sometimes the magic doesn’t quite work out. Not only does Jack demolish a monastery, but Lucy is carried off by the Lady of the Lake, and Jack has to follow her through the Hollow Road, which lies underground.
Aided by Pega, a slave, and the berserker Thorgil, Jack encounters hobgoblins, kelpies, yarthkins, and elves—not the enchanted sprites one would expect, but fallen angels who steal human children for pets. In the eighth century, the world is caught between belief in the Old Gods and Christianity, and what Jack and his companions do will decide the fate of both religions.
From National Book Award winner Nancy Farmer, this second book in the Sea of Trolls trilogy brilliantly enlarges the world of the first story.
Reviews
“As the middle volume of a planned trilogy set in eighth-century Britain, [THE LAND OF SILVER APPLES] takes its shape from the whole: It can stand on its own, but it mostly enlarges the world of the first volume. It’s not the quest itself that’s memorable, but the majestic sweep of Farmer’s storytelling, from the story of Lucifer and the battle of the angels to the Man in the Moon, the goddess Hel and any number of hobgoblins, yarthkins, knuckers and kelpies. Jack, Pega and Thorgil prove strong and capable in ways they themselves never suspected, and readers will look forward to the final installment.”Kirkus, Starred Review
“Farmer beautifully balances pell-mell action and quieter thematic points, especially the drawbacks of immortality and the wild tangle of Christian and pagan traditions in eighth-century Britain. Like the druidic life force Jack taps, this hearty adventure, as personal as it is epic, will cradle readers in the 'hollow of its hand.'”Booklist, Starred Review
“Farmer draws on mythology, including legends and runes of the Picts, to add depth to her story, and her author’s note and sources add authenticity to the narrative. She builds on Jack’s adventures in The Sea of Trolls and at the same time creates a stand-alone novel, drawing readers into this complex world and leaving them looking forward to more.”School Library Journal, Starred Review
“In this entrancing sequel, Jack, now 13 and a bard-in-training, is forced to head out to rescue his little sister Lucy once more when she is kidnapped by the Lady of the Lake […] Their Tolkienesque adventures, filled with magic, danger, and humor, will appeal to all fantasy fans who enjoyed the acclaimed first book.”Kliatt
“This sequel to The Sea of Trolls lives up to the expectations set by the first novel […] this fantasy is truly remarkable with the blending of the myths and ancient Christian tales.”VOYA
Awards & Accolades
Emperor Norton Award 2007
Horn Book Fanfare Award
Bank Street Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library: “Best of the Best”