Reviews & Edition Information for Close Kin

By Clare B. Dunkle. New York: Henry Holt, 2004.
Edited by Reka Simonsen.
Book Two of The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy.
A folklore-based fantasy novel for young adults.

Selected for the 2005 New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age publication.

An ALA 2005 Best Books for Young Adults nominee.

A Junior Library Guild selection.

A 2004 Sonderbooks Stand-Out.

Recorded Books has released an unabridged audiocassette edition:
A VOYA 2005 A+ Audiobook.

Thorndike Press has released a large-print edition.

Aschehoug has released a Danish edition translated by Birgitte Brix. The Danish title is Seylins Slaegt. Hardcover and paperback are both available.

A Danish audio edition should be available as well.

"The plot of CLOSE KIN is intricate, the characters sharply drawn and believable, given the author's premise of three such disparate races moving in their own spheres. The relationships between the characters are skillfully portrayed; this is one of Dunkle's strengths as a fiction writer. Fantasy-lovers will find CLOSE KIN engrossing and will be waiting eagerly for Book Three."
—Lorgnette: Heart of Texas Reviews (Highly recommended)

"Characters are rich and multifaceted, and readers are able to sympathize with good and bad. In fact, the characters are shown in such a light that readers will find that there is no such thing as solely good or completely bad. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, and new readers can easily read this installment on its own."
—VOYA (4Q 5P: every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday

"As in the first book, nimble narration and sympathetic characterization involve the reader from page one. ... While converts to the first book will savor the development of the tale begun therein, new readers will wholly enjoy this offering on its own merits, making this a strong second volume in an original and engrossing fantasy trilogy."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Recommended)

"... Both decidedly alien and strangely romantic at the same time—qualities that neatly encapsulate the allure of the first two books in the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy. ... Returning readers will appreciate the expanded view of a world where human, goblin, and elf sensibilities interestingly, if not harmoniously, coexist."
—Booklist

"...Dunkle paints a truly different, at times even heartwrenching, portrait of elves. The ending is sweet, with the expected resolution of the lovers' misunderstanding, but this is more about misunderstandings between peoples, and the solutions that a little understanding can bring."
—Locus Magazine

"This is the second book in the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy, and is best appreciated by those who have already read the first. ... Fantasy fans, especially those who have read the first book in the trilogy, will, however, find this book a must read."
—Children's Literature

"Clare B. Dunkle spins a sequel to her THE HOLLOW KINGDOM, which PW called, in a starred review, 'a luminously polished fantasy that starts off strong and just gets better.' ... [She] broadens the story of the sisters, ... as Dunkle thrusts readers deeper into the fascinating psyche of the goblins, dwarves, elves, and humans that populate her world."
—Publishers Weekly

"As in the previous book, the different characters discover that appearances do not necessarily reflect inner attributes, but this story delves deeper into examining the xenophobic attitudes held by the goblins, dwarfs, elves, and humans. The narrative draws readers into a multifaceted world of strong, compelling individuals. ... A compelling saga for fantasy fans."
—School Library Journal

"Emily and Seylin's story is the frame, but the heart of the book is in the tragic plight of Sable, one of the last of the elves. ... I love this world that Clare Dunkle has created, where sometimes the ugly ones are the ones with compassion, and the ones who value beauty act in ways that are horribly ugly. ... Highly recommended for both teens and adults—anyone who likes a good story."
—Sonderbooks.Com