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Cuckoo's Flight (Minoan Wings Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Wendy Orr (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 3 ratings
See all formats and editions

A new gripping Bronze Age story from Wendy Orr, internationally acclaimed author of Dragonfly Song and Swallow’s Dance

Clio can’t remember a time when she didn’t share a bond with the mare Grey Girl. On the whole island of Crete, she and her Trojan-born father are the only people who raise and ride horses—and she couldn’t live without it. Between the freedom of the pasture and the safety of her grandmother Leira’s pottery studio, Clio has always had everything she needed.

Then an accident stole Clio’s ability to ride, or even to walk without a crutch. The weather changed and summers grew drier. Now raiders are preying on nearby towns. As anxiety builds, a terrible pronouncement is issued by the palace: at the spring festival, a girl between the ages of twelve and fourteen will be chosen to save the town from disaster. She will be sacrificed as an offering to the mother goddess.

In Cuckoo’s Flight, internationally bestselling author Wendy Orr returns to the Bronze-Age setting of her critically acclaimed novels Dragonfly Song and Swallow’s Dance. With her signature blend of striking prose and emotionally taut verse, she immerses readers in a thrilling coming-of-age story as Clio battles the political power of the palace and her own feelings of inadequacy to save her town, her horses, and perhaps even herself.

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  1. Reading age
    9 - 12 years
  2. Book 3 of 3
    Minoan Wings
  3. Print length
    278 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    4 - 7
  6. Publisher
    Pajama Press
  7. Publication date
    May 14, 2021
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  12. ISBN-13
    978-1772781908
  13. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Clio has always had a connection with horses, and although she was injured in an accident and can no longer ride, her love of the animals never fades. In the pasture one afternoon she spots a ship that appears to be raiders, and soon her village is in an uproar over the impending attack. To make matters worse, the palace professed that a girl between the ages of 12 and 14 must be sacrificed at the spring festival to protect the land. Clio finds herself helpless, trying to protect her horses and filled with anxiety that she will be sacrificed. Yet she works to overcome her fears and help save her family, her city, and her animals. Orr mixes prose and poetry masterfully throughout the tale. The story is fast paced but has moments of contemplation, and Orr's skill as a writer show, especially in her poetry. The characters are well rounded, especially Clio and her friendship with the young Mika. Although sometimes heartrending, the story ends on a hopeful note of change and enlightenment. This Bronze Age historical fiction is a follow-up to Orr's Swallow's Dance and revisits the main character Leira, now a grandmother hoping to save her granddaughter. While it's not necessary to have read the first book, those who have will enjoy reuniting with familiar characters. VERDICT Fans of historical fiction, or even horse stories, will appreciate this fast-paced tale.-Ellen Conlin, Naperville P.L., ILα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Praise for Cuckoo's Flight

A 2021 Junior Library Guild selection

2022 CBCA “Notable Book of The Year” Selection

“Orr mixes prose and poetry masterfully throughout the tale. The story is fast paced but has moments of contemplation, and Orr’s skill as a writer show, especially in her poetry….Fans of historical fiction, or even horse stories, will appreciate this fast-paced tale.”―School Library Journal

“[Cuckoo’s Flight] slides effortlessly between prose and poetry….Most impressive is Orr’s ability to translate a worldview vastly different from our own. Memorable.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Cuckoo’s Flight is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, epic tale while still incorporating the beautiful poetry of Orr’s first two books. Clio is a unique heroine fighting physical and emotional challenges, and proving that perseverance, bravery and ingenuity will always save the day….Orr has done it again, and fans of Dragonfly Song and Swallow’s Dance will be pleased with how this final book wraps up the series. Highly Recommended.”―Canadian Review of Materials

“This dynamic adventure is totally immersive...If you want to explore the Bronze Age, let Wendy Orr be your guide.”―Fresh Fiction

“The setting of ancient Crete vibrantly resonates with the acute senses of a young girl coming of age in a turbulent time....a wonderful, immersive experience.”―Youth Services Book Review

“Wendy Orr skillfully weaves a story that teaches as well as entertains...Cuckoo’s Flight employs a writing style which alternates prose and narrative poetry. As such, it would be an excellent method of introducing diversity in narrative techniques. The title is highly recommended for readers who are entertained by historical fiction and adventure stories with unexpected endings.”―Canadian Children’s Book Centre

“A story of family, faith, and friendship told in elegant, jewel-bright prose with neither a wasted word nor yet too few, Cuckoo’s Flight is excellent. It led me to the author’s other novels, which are also a delight to read.”―Historical Novel Society

“This is a beautifully written story, the words just flow magically across the page and before you know it you've finished the book.”―Georgia H. (NetGalley)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B093XX7DRM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pajama Press (May 14, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 14, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3664 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

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Wendy Orr

Wendy Orr

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Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8 out of 5
3 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Karen
3.0 out of 5 stars The Minoan culture is brought to life
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2021
I have not read any related books, so I really appreciated the opportunity to read this book. Thank you Pajama Press for sharing a copy with #LitReviewCrew. I felt like this story stands on its own, although I am also intrigued to check out the others.

As a 6th grade ancient civilizations teacher for 9 years, I was always on the lookout for literature that could make the cultures we studied come alive. I can't believe I did not know about Wendy Orr's books. I really loved how the Minoan civilizations was brought to life on the island of Crete. I also appreciated the melding of prose and poetry in the book.

It did take me awhile to get invested in the story. That could be pandemic teaching brain. It also could be that the culture is so different it took me awhile to get used it and fall into the story. By the end of the story, I was flipping pages and really involved in how the characters would fare being attacked by raiders. The characters became complex and vibrant to me and the conflicts very real. I do think this could work as a read aloud for students. I am not sure I would have had many students pick this up and read it on their own without being introduced to it.
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Clare O'Beara
5.0 out of 5 stars Cuckoo's Flight
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2021
The small horses of the Bronze Age were used more for pulling chariots than riding. Here, a lame girl is cleverly aided to get around by her Trojan father on the island of Crete. This atmospheric adventure prepares us from early on for the battle against the Sea People which, naturally enough, occurs while the men of the village are away trading.

Horses, goats, young people, and crafts, home-made foods and pottery, and murex dye works too. All extremely believable. Enjoy. I would say anyone up to fifteen would have a great time with the story. Adults will find the detail fascinating.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
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eyes.2c
3.0 out of 5 stars Bronze Age comes alive
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021
Thought provoking coming-of-age (in a different way) tale set in the Bronze Age exploring relationships, abuse, perceived disabilities, traditions, moving beyond the group’s beliefs and mores, and change. Orr’s prose evoked the senses, whether it be the pottery works and processes, the honouring of slaves, the grief Clio experiences at her grandmother’s death, Clio and Mika’s race to the temple, the threat of the raiders—all so real. That reality captured me. I loved the ideas behind the story although I must admit that at first I found it hard to really identify with Clio. Clio was injured when her pony, her soul mate, Gray Girl, shied at a snake, unseating Clio. Clio was left with a permanent injury to her leg necessitating the use of a crutch to walk. Her horse riding days are over. Mika is from a fishing village nearby. When she shows an affinity with horses she and Clio begin a friendship that will startle all.

A Pajama Press ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
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