The Beguilers

by Kate Thompson

Book Overview

In Rilka's village, it isn't safe to go out after dark. That's when the beguilers drift through the streets, as bright and visible as fireflies. Everyone knows their power-they hypnotize their victims... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525468064
• ISBN13: 9780525468066
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
• Length: 183 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Short and Sweet

Most people know Kate Thompson from her Switchers Series. I didn't know she had any other books till I found this one in a used bookstore. Let me start off by saying that The Beguilers is very underrated. It's a lovely coming-of-age book about a girl who is different and discovers what her path is in life (okay, I know that every YA book is like this, but somehow, Thompson's writing makes it work). In Rilka's village, nobody is allowed to go out after dark because of beguilers, which are mysterious, luminous ghosts that "lure you to your death." Kate Thompson writes without being overly ridiculous of "jubjub" fruits and the chuffies (which are very friendly, emotion-sensing dogs) that Rilka is allergic to. Being allergic to these lovable pets makes her fit in even less and she often dreams about life outside the village. So for her Great Intention in life Rilka decides to capture a beguiler. She sets out on her journey as an awkward, outcast of a girl. After listening to the advice of an eccentric, elderly woman, setting off expecting to die, foraging her way through the wild and befriending a handsome young blind boy, she discovers the beguilers' secret. When this happens, the reader will understand what the beguiler stands for and why Rilka makes the choice that she does. The secret isn't even that important, but Rilka's journey is. Readers will rejoice at her triumphs and be proud of the wise woman she becomes.

An great book

an exellent book, a bit short and rushed, but great nontheless. some parts i didn't understand, but that may just be me