Notes

Novel for young adults Subtitle on cover: A quest that will push the boundaries of endurance and spirit Several generations after volcanic eruptions and tsunamis caused the onset of the Dark, descendants of the few survivors struggle to maintain their communities in the swamplands at the far north of New Zealand. Every five years, youths are selected to venture south to search for any remaining food sources. Taka is determined to be one of those chosen, but he is unaware of the daunting new challenges and the sacrifices which may be required of this group of Travellers if their people are to survive. Suggested level: secondary "Several generations after volcanic eruptions and tsunamis caused the onset of the Dark, the descendants of the few survivors are struggling to maintain their tenuous communities in swamplands at the far northern end of New Zealand. Now food and resources are dwindling, and the real hope for the future rests with the youths selected every five years as Travellers, their goal being to venture into the devastated mainland in search of other people and any remaining food sources. This time however, as the Choosing approaches, the heavens themselves change, revealing dramatic portents that no one can ignore"--Back cover