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Katherine Smith wrote:I think that the most important issue raised in this novel is the disappearance of races because it is culturally relevant to today. Our indigenous people are being pushed from what is left of their sacred lands and I am glad that someone has included it in their story.

This was definitely an important issue that we see in our world as well.

Gikonyo Caroline wrote:Child sexual abuse , conservation (archaeological site) versus development,(mining) legends versus science to explain human origins, generational conflict illustrated by Tom and Sarah , family conflict, relational conflict (Myra and Sergei)

I agree on a lot of the themes; I also think there is a version of a rite of passage/coming of age.

The issue of exploitation versus preservation of natural resources is raised in the story.

I saw issues of myths and legends ,adventure,human history,family relationship,friendship,love

The clash of cultures is an issue. There is a dismissal of ancient beliefs that conflicts with the modern world, but in the end, the old culture seems vindicated.

EveS523 wrote: ↑02 Oct 2017, 11:17 I've come across issues with sexual encounters and raising children.

Oooh, these issues get to me! That can be a very difficult topic to read about, even when it's only alluded to. I read a book that made me want to shake some kind of sense into the parents!

powergirl wrote: ↑01 Nov 2017, 06:36 I saw issues of myths and legends ,adventure,human history,family relationship,friendship,love

These all make the book sound very interesting, Powergirl! I love issue regarding myths and legends! Thanks for the comment!

I noticed the issue of gender equality. The author mentions that, among the razor stone people, when they were shooting, the women were just as accurate as the men.

Family issues, children abuse, culture and wildlife preservation, monetary interests and love.

The story of the book talks about some other truths of Nature that guide the spirit of adventurers and wanderers! Such people bear in the heart, the deepest of the secrets of life and are a source of creativity beyond imagination. For example Sarah's drawings of her sketchpad, which she carries with her since very beginning, resemble the world she encounters later through her vision.The archaeological evidences (bone etc.) that Tom and his team gather during their expedition depict the same truth.

The story shows the impact of family breakdowns, teenage angst, and how the gap in understanding between generations can be bridged.

The issue of children being unwanted is a big social issue these days. I truly felt for Sarah when relatives argued over who had to take her.

Environmentalism and corporate greed

Gikonyo Caroline wrote: ↑03 Oct 2017, 06:18 Child sexual abuse , conservation (archaeological site) versus development,(mining) legends versus science to explain human origins, generational conflict illustrated by Tom and Sarah , family conflict, relational conflict (Myra and Sergei)

I agree with this list.

I really liked the way some of the strongest issues were dealt with in the book, especially the ones that intertwined with each other like the family conflict and the social issues of runaway minors, drug abuse, etc.

I felt that the way these issues were handled was really good: there was no explicit accounts of stronger themes, making the book suitable for younger audiences (some level of maturity still needed) while portraying the drama that these issues represent in real life.

The issue of life with step parents and siblings. Here it had a negative effect as Sarah didn't feel safe with his step brother and step grandfather. Becky was also sexually harrassed by his step father.