Amazon.com Review
In this intriguing eco-mystery, debut author Hilari Bell imagines a watery future where humans have moved into the sea after a devastating crop virus has rendered most earth-grown food inedible. Imina lives in one of the many underwater habitats, but isn't terribly impressed with all the biotechnology that surrounds her. She believes in the power of magic, a conviction inherited from her great-grandmother, an Inuit shaman. Frustrated by the habitat's intolerance of anything that can't be proven scientifically, Imina concentrates on furthering her magic abilities independently. However, her work is interrupted by a mysterious someone who appears to sabotaging the habitat.

Using her still immature talents, Imina determines that the saboteur is a maker of magic. Both exhilarated and terrified, Imina tries to ascertain the identity of the saboteur through magic and scientific means, with the help of Ivan, a serious young biologist with feet of clay, and Dr. Pennyfeather, an absent-minded, kindly physician. When the destructive source is finally discovered, the scientists of the community must put aside their disbelief in the supernatural and trust Imina to bargain with the enigmatic magic makers not only for their lives but to ensure the continuation of the human race.

Despite somewhat stereotypical characterization (Imina as a New Age Nancy Drew, Dr. Pennyfeather as the forgetful professor), Bell's captivating plot builds to an incredibly satisfying climax that raises the age-old question of whether the supernatural and science can ever be reconciled. Songs of Power is a worthy addition to the new group of futuristic millennial teen reads that include Kathryn Lasky's Star Split and Margaret Peterson Haddix's Among the Hidden. (Ages 11 to 14) --Jennifer Hubert