A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award longlist selection
The 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.
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“Narrator Erin Mallon doesn’t waste any time revealing the peculiar blend of vulnerability and daring that make Lee Westfall, the narrator of this historical novel, so unique. Her voice cracks with fear but is grounded in strength as, following tragic events, she begins a difficult journey to California…Mallon deftly distinguishes between Lee’s diverse group of traveling companions with pitch and pacing rather than dialect, moving the dialogue along smoothly.”
— AudioFile
“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 (Salt Lake City)“An empowering and powerful read…Carson takes us on a wild wagon journey peppered with drama and mystery.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)“Carson’s story is simply terrific—tense and exciting, while gently and honestly addressing the brutal hardships of the westward migration.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Carson is known for her world building and strong female characters…Illuminates an important segment of American history as effectively as some textbooks, 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.”
— Horn Book“[A] riveting saga…The time period rings true through Carson’s skillful use of language and attention to detail…The fast-paced plot, a hint of mild romance, and the added element of fantasy make this stand out from your average Gold Rush story.”
— School Library Journal“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.”
— VOYABe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Rae Carson is the author of the New York Times bestselling Girl of Fire and Thorns series, as well as three novellas set in the same world. Originally from California, Carson now lives in Arizona with her husband.
Erin Mallon is an Audie Award nominee and Earphones Award–winning narrator of nearly six hundred audiobooks and is an accomplished New York City playwright and producer.