Camrose, a perfectly normal 12-year-old, has inherited responsibility for an ancient bone flute, an object of quest for two time-wandering rivals, one of them lord of the Otherworld. With the help of her friend Mark and the not-quite-human Miranda, Camrose braves fire and much worse to claim the flute and restore it to its rightful--and unexpected--owner.
From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. The strangeness begins on Camrose's twelfth birthday. As she dives into the Ottawa River with her friends, a creepy, disembodied voice speaks: ''It's begun.'' She is unsure what, exactly, has started until she opens a mysterious letter from her long-deceased great-aunt. Camrose has become the Keeper of an ancient bone flute, which, if returned to its ''rightful claimant,'' will settle a dispute between ancient rivals from other worlds. If Camrose gives the flute to the wrong party, as her great-aunt did, she could mortally endanger her loved ones. With the help of her best friend, Mark, Camrose bravely pieces together the mystery of the flute's power, even as she fights terrifying supernatural forces. The background legend of the flute lacks development; Bow skims over the details in abrupt explanations of the flute's history. But readers able to overlook some fuzzy plot points will enjoy the well-paced suspense; tough, endearing Camrose and sidekick Mark; and the contrast between the placid, cozy, Canadian town and the wild magic of the Otherworld. Gillian Engberg
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
''A tantalizing blend of mystery, adventure, and fantasy that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.'' ''Highly recommended.'' (Canadian Book Review Annual 20041115)
''Well-paced suspense.'' (Booklist 20050418)
''The creepy suspense is extremely well conveyed.'' ''Very enjoyable entertainment.'' (Resource Links 20041115)
''A mysterious adventure.'' (Canadian Children's Book News 20050401)
'' . . . an intricate, suspenseful plot . . .'' '' . . . rich with detail . . .'' ''This talented author's second contribution to the English market is nothing short of a total success, and children's literature in Canada is all the better for it.'' ''Highly Recommended.'' (CM Magazine 20041015)