Kasischke, Laura. Feathered.

KASISCHKE, Laura. Feathered. HarperCollins. 272p. c2008. 978-0060813178. $16.00. S *

This occult mystery involving Quetzalcoatl, the feathered god, and ancient Mayan ruins is mixed in with elements of the Natalee Holloway case and the rebirth of the Phoenix. Eighteen-year-old Michelle

and Anne are on spring break in Cancun, Mexico. Along with their desire to try out the latest in tropical drinks, sun themselves, and swim in the ocean, these two also intend to see some of the sights. As both are burdened with over-protective mothers, they have been provided with encyclopedias of advice, one of the most important principles being, "Never accept a ride from a stranger." Of course they do exactly that, after meeting an older but handsome, personable, and sophisticated anthropologist named Ander in the bar. He offers to drive them to Chechen Itza early the next morning. Michelle, who is a wispy, otherworldly sort (specifically likened to a bird; yes, she can sing, hypnotically) forms a mystical attachment to Ander while touring the ruins, especially the spot where the beating hearts of virgin girls were offered to the gods, which creeps Anne out. In an effort to get both of them away from his influence, Anne begs a ride home from another set of strangers, but strangers who seem more like them, fellow partying spring breakers. Disaster ensues. Michelle is lost. Anne is bereft. However, the book ends happily, even movingly, due to the supernatural maneuverings of a feather dropped from a bird at Chechen Itza. The prose is beautiful and the mystery seductive, though the theme may be either, "Don't take rides from strangers, especially during spring break" or, there are "ranges of mind beyond our present mind." Myrna Marler, Assoc. Prof. of English, BYU, Laie, HI

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.