Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com

Seventeen-year-old Kipp is struck by tragedy when he leaves the house in the middle of the night with the goal of catching a wild white horse he has been watching. He has left Royan, his nine-year-old brother, with his tinder box to light the morning fire.

Somehow, the house, barn, fields, and everything else around his home are engulfed in flame and Gwali, the Death Catcher, has taken the souls of Royan and their parents. Only younger sister Jilly has survived. Kipp vows to steal Gwali's Kwaja, or bag of souls, to release his family's spirits.

Within a day of his family's deaths, Kipp and Jilly are forced into the service of Sor Tunassi, the wealthy landowner from who Kipp's family had purchased their home. Kipp struggles to keep Jilly safe and healthy as they slave in the fields. He also struggles with his growing feelings for Zalika, Sor Tunassi's rebellious daughter.

As Kipp's journey progresses, he is continually tested in his quest to steal the power of death from Gwali. Kipp's life changes yet again one night on the way home after going riding with Zalika when Zalika takes a fall, and Gwali comes for her.

Carey's fantasy questions religion, immigration, social systems, and life over death. The lessons Kipp learns include issues of acceptance, belonging, love, and personal strength. He learns that he must sacrifice himself to keep those he loves safe. This engaging fantasy captures the reader's heart from the very first with strong characters and a fascinating setting.

Though the story is winning, the vocabulary is not for the weak at heart. Carey's fantasy dialect can be intimidating from the start. Strong readers, however, will enjoy tackling the language puzzle of Kipp's world. ( )