Book Review: Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Goldseer Trilogy, Book One) by Rae Carson

 

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

   Walk on Earth a Stranger is written by Rae Carson (better known for her Fire and Thorns trilogy) and published by Harper Collins under their Greenwillow Books imprint. It tells the harrowing and often touching story of fifteen-year-old Leah Westfall. It is 1849 and she and her family have made a decent living during the infamous Gold Rush years of American history. Her father and mother, Reuben and Elizabeth, provide her with love and affection. The Westfalls are happy, despite Reuben's growing illness. But Leah has a secret that only she and her parents know about- Leah has magical powers. 

  Blessed with the ability to sense gold anywhere, Leah has helped her father earn the nickname "Lucky". Even though her powers could bless them with a fortune, the Westfalls have settled on a decent and modest living in the town of Dahlonega, Georgia. Leah has a few friends at school, but she is not like the other girls. She fancies rifles, hunting, and farming which makes her the odd girl out among the local teen girls. But one cold day Leah's world is shattered when she is faced with a devastating loss. Terrified and filled with sorrow, Leah flees with little money, her horse, and her father's Hawken rifle. Cutting her hair short, and wearing a hat and men's clothing Leah becomes Lee McCauley. 

  Heading for Independence, Missouri where a classmate said he would wait for her, Leah takes to the dusty roads.  Along the way, Leah faces highwaymen and a dangerous stint working with a flatboat crew on the river. After days on the water, she finally arrives in Independence where not only does she reunite with her friend, but is employed on a wagon train that plans to take the hazardous trip to California through rough terrain. What ensues is an incredible journey that puts Leah to the test, showing her that within all the pain she has lived, hope is still alive.

  Rae Carson has an amazing ability to pull you into her world-building head-first. The rich, historical backdrop that is presented cradles Leah's story as it unfolds. Carson's skillful grasp of life in the 1800s covers quite a lot, including slave and women's rights. This subject is deftly used to create an even stronger protagonist that we can believe in. Leah is never a quitter, which is a very positive message for anyone reading this novel.

  During my journey from Dahlonega to California, I was accompanied by actress Erin Mallon's incredible voice work on the audiobook presentation. Her grasp of Leah's personality and smooth reading style had me sailing quickly through this novel. She was an excellent choice to bring Rae Carson's words to life. 

  I gave Walk on Earth a Stranger five out of five stars. I loved the novel's historical fiction backdrop, action and adventure, and use of paranormal abilities.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and adventure.

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