Each hoomin is born with a secret speaker behind their Adam’s Apple. They see everything you see and record your life. In this novel, Fair’s secret keeper and many others are retelling a tale of great importance. Many eons ago, the gods placed the hoomin in Grave to learn like you were in a school. Selador chose to help teach them and lead them the right direction back towards the gods. His brother, Relathin was cast out for his lack of cooperation as well as all of his followers. They seek to retake Cloven Grave and control all the hoomin. To do so, we see Harrold King, the evil king of Cloven grave who taxes to the hilt to feed his fat, ugly self.
Fair has been in hiding for the last nine years. Nine years ago, the king took her brother, Hale and all the other children around her age due to a dream the king had of someone her age usurping his evilness and being the right ruler, a Zothiker. Now, Fair has turned thirteen and believed to be untouchable by the king. When Harrold comes to her village in Cloven Grave, Fair has his first encounter with him. There, she barely escapes with her life and the king takes her beloved dog. She and Harrold also have an encounter with Telthrys, the head goddess. Fair is told that if she can find Selador and his gate, she can find her missing family and dog, save her people and restore the right power to the throne, but Relathin is backing Harrold and wants the throne for himself. Can Fair save her people from the evil king and restore balance to Cloven Grave?
The language of the Secret Speakers is hard to understand at first, but becomes easier throughout the book. The characters are well-developed and likable, even the evil king. The plot moves slow at first and drags in places, but is adventurous and filled with lots of things that will hold the reader’s interest. Readers who like fantasy, adventure, and mythology will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Service Librarian, WHI Public Library.
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