The focus of the story is Ash, the main character, whose father is chieftain of their village.
Ash doesn’t meet his
father’s expectations of a son, and is always measured against his twin brother,
Oak, who will take his father’s position as leader when the time comes.
At twelve years old, the giants must embark on a rite of passage known as the Trek.
It is time for the Selections to be made, with a guardian chosen to accompany and mentor each young giant on their journey.
Ash is unconventional in looks and beliefs. He doesn’t want to follow training with traditional spears, bows and arrows and shields.
He longs to
learn the old ways, using incantations that call on the elements for help.
He is not allocated Bando whom he wanted due to his
knowledge of natural healing and incantations, but gets Avalanche, a solitary
but skilled master with hidden abilities.
The Trek holds many surprises and revelations about and for the giants on the journey. With packs of wolves to contend with, unexpected encounters in the wild, and a powerful leader that will use any means, including wolves of fire, to destroy Ash’s village and way of life, Ash must use what he believes in to survive.
Ash’s character evolves as he realizes he can overcome challenges, is smarter, stronger, and more able than he ever imagined, simply by being himself.
This is a coming-of-age story but also a great adventure. Full of fast-paced action, lots of challenges, and with countless lessons and life skills to be learnt before the epic ending.
Title: A Giant's Trek
Author: Nick Stella
Illustrator: Kristina Kister
Publisher: Text, $16.99
Publication Date: 30 May 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922330703
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade
