Blood and Salt In Quivira, Kansas
Horror, romance and history, what more could any teen want in a good autumn read?
Quivira, Kansas native, Kim Liggett brings all of these together in her debut teen novel Blood and Salt. The characters are believable and empathetic, the plot is infused with history, folklore and supernatural energy all brought creatively into the 21st century. The suspense and twist keep you guessing. (Note: Sexual content may not be appropriate for young teens. I would recommend it for 15 and up.) If you like Stephen King and interesting characters you will love this book. The library will host Ms. Liggett for an author visit spring of 2016.
What makes this book different from most teen horror/romance books is Liggett's use of Quivira Kansas, land of the legend of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's "Seven Cities of Gold". The mystery that surrounds the legend informs the novel and assists in creating the sensually mystical atmosphere of the book.
In that half-forgotten era,
With the avarice of old,
Seeking cities he was told
Had been paved with yellow gold,
In the kingdom of Quivira --
Came the restless Coronado
To the open Kansas plain,
With his knights from sunny Spain;
In an effort that, though vain,
Thrilled with boldness and bravado.
- Quivira Kansas (excerpt) by Eugene Ware
