Publisher Description

A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award longlist selectionThe first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times-bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush-era America. Walk on Earth a Stranger begins an epic saga from one of the finest writers of young adult literature.Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home--until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety?Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns series, dazzles with the first book in the Gold Seer Trilogy, introducing a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance, as only she can.

Back Cover

Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes. Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend--who might want to be something more. She also has a secret. Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it. When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California--where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey. The acclaimed Rae Carson begins a sweeping new trilogy set in Gold Rush-era America, about a young woman with a powerful and dangerous gift.

Author Biography

Rae Carson is the author of two bestselling and award-winning trilogies, as well as the acclaimed stand-alone novels Any Sign of Life and The Empire of Dreams. Her debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, was named a William C. Morris Award finalist and an Andre Norton Award finalist. Walk on Earth a Stranger was longlisted for the 2015 National Book Award and won the Western Writers of America Spur Award. Her books tend to contain adventure, magic, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. Originally from California, Rae Carson now lives in Ohio with her husband.

Review

"Simply terrific--tense and exciting, while gently and honestly addressing the brutal hardships of the westward migration. ...[Leah] takes center stage as a smart, resourceful, determined, and realistic heroine who embodies the age-old philosophy that it isn't what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Lee...is a smart, feisty, and likable protagonist who encounters all the hardships one would expect on the arduous journey West...the fast-paced plot, a hint of mild romance, and the added element of fantasy make this stand out." -- School Library Journal"Carson is known for her world-building and strong female characters and she handles everything with carefully constructed, well-researched aplomb. It's a book that illuminates an important segment of American history...sustaining YA interest through adventure, fantasy, and romance." -- Booklist (starred review)"With an organically diverse cast, three-dimensional characters, a vividly evoked setting, and the lightest touch of romance, Carson's novel captures the trepidation and exhilaration of journeying into the unknown." -- The Horn Book"An empowering and powerful read perfect for one who enjoys history and adventure. ...Carson takes us on a wild wagon journey peppered with drama and mystery." -- Romantic Times BOOKclub"Pure storytelling gold. ...The author capably crosses genres and breaks stereotypes, and the result is an absorbing adventure that only hints at the thrills that will surely come in the next two books." -- The Daily Summit"Carson's world-building skills are extraordinary...The author paints an early America that is teeming with people from an array of backgrounds and beliefs-the diversity of the characters is as integral to the plot of the book as it was to shaping the United States." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)"Lee is an ambitious, generous, kind and scrappy character...Fans of Carson's work will enjoy this road-trip-turned-Western, and newcomers will love the flair she brings to her characters and settings." -- Deseret News"Carson does nice work adding nuance to her side characters, showing minor evolutions that challenge the racism, sexism, and classism deeply rooted in most of the people Leah encounters...Fantasy readers will likely find Leah and her gold-sensing core to be intriguingly different than the usual heroine." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Review Quote

"Simply terrific--tense and exciting, while gently and honestly addressing the brutal hardships of the westward migration. ...[Leah] takes center stage as a smart, resourceful, determined, and realistic heroine who embodies the age-old philosophy that it isn't what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Lee...is a smart, feisty, and likable protagonist who encounters all the hardships one would expect on the arduous journey West...the fast-paced plot, a hint of mild romance, and the added element of fantasy make this stand out." -- School Library Journal "Carson is known for her world-building and strong female characters and she handles everything with carefully constructed, well-researched aplomb. It's a book that illuminates an important segment of American history...sustaining YA interest through adventure, fantasy, and romance." -- Booklist (starred review) "With an organically diverse cast, three-dimensional characters, a vividly evoked setting, and the lightest touch of romance, Carson's novel captures the trepidation and exhilaration of journeying into the unknown." -- The Horn Book "An empowering and powerful read perfect for one who enjoys history and adventure. ...Carson takes us on a wild wagon journey peppered with drama and mystery." -- Romantic Times BOOKclub "Pure storytelling gold. ...The author capably crosses genres and breaks stereotypes, and the result is an absorbing adventure that only hints at the thrills that will surely come in the next two books." -- The Daily Summit "Carson's world-building skills are extraordinary...The author paints an early America that is teeming with people from an array of backgrounds and beliefs-the diversity of the characters is as integral to the plot of the book as it was to shaping the United States." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) "Lee is an ambitious, generous, kind and scrappy character...Fans of Carson's work will enjoy this road-trip-turned-Western, and newcomers will love the flair she brings to her characters and settings." -- Deseret News "Carson does nice work adding nuance to her side characters, showing minor evolutions that challenge the racism, sexism, and classism deeply rooted in most of the people Leah encounters...Fantasy readers will likely find Leah and her gold-sensing core to be intriguingly different than the usual heroine." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Details