The Spinner Prince (Pride Wars #1)

Gr 4-6--Leo, a 13-year-old Singa (highly evolved lionlike creatures), tries hard to be like the other younglings; but not only is he scrawnier and weaker, he's also next in line to be the ruler of Singara--much to the dismay of his elder cousin, Tamir. Leo also has a big secret: he's a Spinner. In a society that values science and reason above all else, those who spin tales and speak fiction are considered abominations and once found out are sent to live in exile where they could easily fall prey to the enemy Maguar. And Leo's Spinner abilities are even more unusual than most. The tales Leo is compelled to tell actually leave a physical trace behind; the creatures his tales are about appear in Singara, and it's no longer just Leo who can see them. When Leo's grandfather dies, Tamir makes his move to claim the throne and Leo's very life is in danger. Could Leo's "fiction affliction" be his saving grace or will it be his downfall? Laney's first book in the "Pride Wars" series draws on a number of familiar elements--rites of passage, a family battle for the throne, warring clans--but manages to make them feel fresh by adding unusual creatures and a well-developed history and belief system. Readers who like Erin Hunter's books will race through this title and will be highly anticipating the sequel. VERDICT A strongly developed anthropomorphized animal adventure. Recommended for school and public libraries.--Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH