I can't believe this book isn't more popular than it is -- it's so good! I actually had a hard time deciding which genre it would fit into (in my opinion, always the sign of an interesting, complex story), but I think "alternate history" works best. The book follows the story of Serena, a half-Yulang, half-Gorgio who has been declared outcast because her sister had a child out of wedlock. When that child is taken away by the bureaucratic-loving Gorgios, Serena attacks two people working with social services (an agency nicknamed the Cruelty) and has to escape when she believes she kills one of them. A boy named Shem offers to help her, and together they set off on a journey to get their lives going on the right path.

I am a huge fan of coming-of-age stories, especially when they involve a headstrong girl who needs to learn when to use her temper and when to curb it in order to survive in the world. Through her journey, Serena learns that there are actually good people in the world who are willing to help those in need, and sometimes, situations aren't as black-and-white as she'd like them to be.

The real strength of this book lies within the characters. They are so relatable, complex, and interesting. I liked that Spiegler didn't reveal everything about Shem in the beginning -- his motives for helping out Serena aren't fully revealed into rather late in the novel, and I appreciated the mystery his character represented. As always with coming-of-age novels (probably the main reason why I like them so much), the characters show a great amount of growth throughout the story.

Also, the storytelling is fantastic. Nothing is cut-and-dry, there are plenty of surprises and twists to keep you flipping the pages and wanting more answers. I don't think The Amethyst Road has enough action to be considered a true adventure book, but I felt like that's exactly what I was reading. I had a hard time putting the book down once I picked it up, because the stakes were high and I needed to know that everything was going to turn out all right.

There are some problems that I would expect from the first book of an author. Sometimes, we are told things instead of shown them, but they were really minor, especially compared to all the good stuff within this story.

If you can find this, pick it up. It's so worth the read. I'm planning on reading Spiegler's other book, The Jewel and the Key, and I hope she writes more. ( )

In this alternate reality, a gypsy-like people roam the Pacific Northwest, the victims of racism and sometimes their own tribal rules. Serena, a fiercely angry yet entirely likable young teen, gets drawn into a difficult quest to find her mother and save her niece. An alliance with a young man seeking to change his fate leads them to unexpected realizations about themselves and each other. This book has it all -- adventure, drama, romance, a little magic, and an inspiring message about living your own life. ( )

Serena is anything but serene. Quick to anger and impulsive, she gradually grows into her name. She never, however, completely leaves behind her outrage over the injustice that surrounds her, chief among which is the fact that her niece is unfairly removed from her home by an agency that bears a frightening resemblance to Child Protective Services. An outcast among her own Yulang people and unwelcome in her boyfriend Shem’s world. Spiegler skillfully allows the reader to believe Serena’s rants against Shem or Anchara, while skillfully maintaining the narrative distance showing the self-defeating nature of these rants. Especially enjoyable is Serena’s rant when Shem attempts to explain how and why he will sell the gems they find. Shem studies the Yulang culture and desires to be accepted by the Yulang. Serena is an unwilling and ignorant member of the Yulang. The interactions between Shem explaining Yulang culture to Serena, which forces Serena to reflect on her life, have real world parallels to our own culture clashes. Books like The Amethyst Road give teens a safe outlet for discussing prejudice, tradition, justice, and a host of other related issues, while also telling a great story with very real teen characters. Recommended for middle school and high school students. ( )