Shamers do exactly as their name implies, they shame people. They do this by using their eyes, or in the case of experienced Shamers, by using the power of their voice, to force people to look inward at the evil acts they committed. Being a Shamer’s daughter is not easy, especially not when you have inherited your mother’s gift. Dina finds it very difficult. People avoid her, she has no friends. Yet, Shamer’s are respected and greatly needed in identifying the guilty.
When Dina’s mother is called away but does not return, Dina must travel with a strange man who is unafraid of meeting her eyes. Before long, she is involved in a scandel that threatens her mother’s life and her own.
An interesting first book the has interested me in the rest of the series. Dina’s compassion coupled with her unique and often scary ability make for an excellent foundation. I’d recommend this to all middle-grade fantasy readers who have enjoyed Harry Potter and will build up to the likes of Graceling.
