Billy Buckhorn and the Book of Spells (Thunder Child Prophecy #1)

A Cherokee 16-year-old is chosen by the Thunders, who “lived up beyond the sky,” to defeat ancient evils in this action-packed series opener by author Robinson (Native American Twelve Days of Christmas), who is of Cherokee and Choctaw descent. Billy Buckhorn, who lives on an Eastern Oklahoma reservation, would much rather practice his hunting and fishing skills and train with his medicine man grandfather than attend high school. While Billy is sleeping, his late grandmother suddenly appears to him in a vision, warning him to “get ready.” When Billy is struck by lightning during a fishing competition, the event results in spiderweb marks on his hands and neck. Even more strange happenings follow, such as Billy having mysterious interactions with Little People and developing the ability to absorb the information in his schoolbooks while asleep. As Billy’s new powers evolve and he immerses himself in his grandfather’s teachings of traditional Cherokee practices that embody the “old ways,” he realizes his magic is a gift meant to help protect his people. While Billy’s character development leans a bit heavily on the chosen-one trope, and occasionally abrupt POV shifts make for an uneven read, abundant detail regarding Cherokee culture and folklore enrich this edge-of-your-seat paranormal adventure. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)

Correction: The text of this review has been updated for clarity.