Strandia

Sand, a privileged upper-class girl on the mythic island of Strandia, is gifted with the ability to telepathically summon dolphins and compel them to fish for her family. When Sand refuses to go along with an arranged marriage, she sets in motion a series of personal and social crises that come to a head just as her home is threatened by natural catastrophe. Reynolds's first novel is plagued with graceless exposition, sloppy pacing and jarring changes in point of view--and some of her best scenes are disturbingly reminiscent of Madeleine L'Engle's A Ring of Endless Light . Nevertheless, the author's skillful command of imagery and symbols, together with her unfailing respect for the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, makes this a worthwhile read. Ages 12-up. (Aug.)