Keturah and Lord Death

by Martine Leavitt

Book Overview

National Book Award Finalist A young woman makes a bargain with Death himself--and only true love can set her free--in this spellbinding young adult fantasy romance for fans of Robin McKinley. For... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932425292
• ISBN13: 9781932425291
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 12 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 7 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Great concept, but very little depth.

I appreciate the sentiment the author was going for at the end but it felt forced. I would have loved to see it acknowledged more throughout the story. I must say the prose was really good, though. Some nice lines. I might try another book of Martine Leavitt down the line. 3 cows

A Tale For The Innocent In Us All

This is a beautiful story, well and uniquely told. Some have said it is predictable, but this was not the case for me; I found myself smiling at the small beautiful things that took me by surprise. What most people fail to understand with this book is that it is told in the format of a true fairytale. It is as haunting as a Grimm's' story and as wise as the morals of Aesop. Yes, the main character is as beautiful as a fairytale princess and kind as the day is long- but she is also loveable despite her perfection. In fact, this is one of the main points of the book that many people gloss over: Keturah does not wish to be beautiful. In fact, her beauty is a vulnerability because any love she receives will likely be love for her comely figure, which will grow old and fail in time, but where will she find the true, lasting love that she desperately needs to save herself from Lord Death? The story starts out small at first as Keturah finds herself lost in the forest- there it is a mere framework, like a fireside story hesitantly told; but as Keturah continues in her tale it grows and become more steady, more deep, and more compelling after each nighttime encounter with Lord Death. One reviewer likened the story to the tales of the Arabian Nights; but Keturah's story is so much more than that because of her emotion in a quest that will endear her to readers of all ages. No, this is not hack and slash dime-a-dozen fantasy, nor is it another threadbare "gothic romance", as some reviewers would suggest... Nor is it a children's' story. ...it is an entrancing bed-time fantasy for the innocent in us all.

Intriguing Title, Wonderful Story

Keturah and Lord Death - - The title is intriguing enough. I picked up this book to read after my mom returned from the library with a bunch of library books that looked interesting to her. I read it, loved it, and entirely despised the ending. But it was such a wonderfully wrought work that I just had to learn to enjoy the ending. So, I read it about five times in the next few days. I finally learned to love it. In this story, Keturah, the protagonist, follows a hart into the woods. She meets Lord Death after three days of being lost, and she pleads for her life. After telling Lord Death a story, without the ending, Keturah is granted one day to find true love. Turning into a Scheherezade of sorts, she leads you through an amazing story that makes you feel like it really happened, like you are actually there. It is amazing. From the cover, I was expecting it to be a "kissing book" and that kinda made me not want to read it. I'm not a romance freak. But, surprisingly(*coughcoughluckilycough*) it had minimal kissing. I really enjoyed this book, and think it deserves SIX stars (or more). It is definitely worth your time. -The Daughter of Lisa Havens (who actually happens to be a very intelligent, ingenious musician with the most humble of attitudes... :D) --Thank you.

Fabulous fairytale!

I couldn't put down Keturah and Lord Death. If you enjoy fairytales and romance don't miss this one! Keturah is a refreshing heroine, sure of herself and yet humble--certainly not the depressssing fare so common in young adult books. Fabulous writing! Awesome story construction. The author's observations on death, life and love leave me both moved and envious. Her enthralling analogy of the power of death to make us treasure life is absolutely gorgeous. And yes, I'm envious. I admit it. Ms. Leavitt's book is so wonderful I wish I'd written. Excellent writing Martine Leavitt! Thanks for giving us a marvelous story.

Lord Death - smokin' fine

This was a beautiful, lyrical story that read as a long fairytale, with real emotion behind it. The pace was slow but that suited the thoughtful mood of the book, and the suspense over which of her suitors Keturah would choose was intense. Can't recommend highly enough.

Lord Death Loves

Keturah and Lord Death is original, insightful and beautifully written. Leavitt has an unique perspective throughout the book that leads to a surprising and bittersweet ending. You'll remember Keturah for her storytelling ability, but you'll remember Lord Death for his unashamed, unconditional and tender love. Touching.