The Humming of Numbers Book

Aidan is poised to take his monastic vows—until a girl enters the abbey, one who hums of the number eleven. Aidan has the ability to hear the humming of numbers, a buzzing energy given off by living things. He is captivated and tormented by the mysterious girl, Lana, who has some unusual abilities of her own. How can he become a monk when his mind is filled with impure thoughts?

Before he can begin to sort his feelings out, the Vikings raid. Only Aidan and Lana can save the village from certain, violent death—and only if they learn to trust in their mysterious talents.

Joni Sensel’s richly imagined new novel is a compelling blend of fantasy and adventure.

VOYA

AGERANGE: Ages 15 to 18.

Seventeen-year-old Aiden is a novice monk in a tenth-century Celtic abbey, preparing to take his vows and paint illuminated texts. Lana, bastard daughter of the local lord, is sent to stay in the abbey as punishment. The abbot places Aiden in charge of Lana, testing the novice's commitment to his vows. Aiden and Lana are different from other people. Aiden learns the true nature of objects and people through a humming of numbers that only he can hear, an ability he must keep secret. Lana is a wood-witch and also hides her true self. When their village is attacked, Aiden and Lana use their gifts to help defeat the raiding Norsemen. This book is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The brutality of the time and the absolute power of the local lord over everything, even the monks, is depicted in crisp, succinct prose. The two protagonists have interesting and original gifts. Aiden's ability, in particular, is unique and described well. Both characters have strong personalities. Lana struggles with being the poverty-stricken daughter of a wealthy man and a secret witch. Aiden's interior conflict comes from determining whether he wants to be a monk or work with books. Both young adults develop over the course of the story, making difficult decisions and discoveries that change the courses of their lives. It is an excellent book that readers of both historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy. Reviewer: Heather Pittman
April 2008 (Vol. 31, No. 1)