Chime by Franny Billingsley

Chime

by Franny Billingsley

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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 I enjoyed reading this book but didn't adore it. A different kind of witch story, I enjoyed the lighter moments, the relationship between Briony and Eldric, and Briony coming to terms with who she is. But it was also a frustrating book to read - Briony is deceived for most of the book and it was exhausting; I wanted her to triumph sooner. The build up was too long and the conclusion wasn't long enough. 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: mild - some discussion of "things married people do"