What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read this book years ago. I believe it was part of a series, in which case, I'd love to figure out the title so I can finish it.

As far as I know, the book was fairly new when I read it in grade school, so I'm guessing it was published at least NINE years ago. It may be far older, but I personally doubt it. It was short children/Young Adult fiction. It's been awhile since I read it, so the plot is a bit hazy, but here's what I do remember.

The book is about a girl (more like young woman) who lives alone on a hill. I remember her having a garden. Anyway, she lives like a hermit, because she doesn't trust people. She's emotionally scarred from a bandit attack that killed her whole family and took her eyesight. One day she gets her vision back by manipulating magic. She only trusts animals, and I believe she has a (pseudo) seeing eye dog (who might be named Cloud, but I could have lifted the name from Tamora Pierce's Immortals). She lives a quiet life until one day a monk visits her.

The monk isn't the typical old, bald monk, he's a young man. I'm not sure if he came to her because of a prophecy, but eventually he convinces her to leave with him to protect/save the kingdom. He tells her she has magic (he may have some magic himself) and that her magic will help accomplish their goal. I don't remember too much about their quest, but I do remember at one point they're trapped in a cave. I also recall the monk and the blind woman falling in love with each other, but I really don't have much more than that.

I've tried looking everywhere for this book, but so far my search has turned up nothing. If anybody has any clues, I'll be so grateful!

Is it by Judith Tarr? Don't remember the title of the book, but the plot sounds familiar

kiwiria:
I don't think it was written by Judith Tarr. I looked her books up on amazon, but none of the characters or the plots sound familiar, what's more is I'm pretty much positive the book I read was children/young adult fiction, whereas her books sound like adult sci-fi. Thanks for trying, though! I do appreciate the input!

By any chance, is it Journey to the Bright Kingdom by Elizabeth Winthrop? It's a children's book, and here's the plot summary:
The mice of Kakure-sato grant a blind woman temporary sight during the journey she and her kind daughter make to their magical underground kingdom.

krista:

At first I was really hoping that your book was the one. The author seemed really familiar (turns out I read The Castle In The Attic a few times ^^;), and the plot was really close. After all, it did have a blind woman and some underground element. But a few things didn't click.

First, the story I read was your typical European influenced fantasy tale. Although I don't remember a lot, I'm pretty sure I would have remembered something of the japanese/asian element.

Second, the young woman in the book I am picturing didn't have any children...in fact, I believe she was only in her twenties. While it's not impossible....I just don't think she was a mom. After all, I remember her being very frightened of men, love and people in general.

Third, the woman does not "receive" sight, especially not from mice. As far as I remember, after being blind so long, her magic (which she refuses to believe in) kicks in and helps her to see colors and shapes. It's not the same as real vision, but she can "see" and navigate.

After looking a bit more carefully I can safely say it's not the book I was looking for. Thanks for trying to help, though!

:( anybody have any more guesses?

damn. Is there any way to move this to unsolved?

Edit your original topic. You should have the option of changing the folder.

thanks rivka

bump

._. I just wish I could know.

still trying

Good news, guys. I posted on a forum at whatisthatbook.com and in less than 12 hours after I posted, an admin found the book and answered my question.

The book in question is The Thirteenth Scroll by Rebecca Neason, and its sequel is The Truest Power.

Thanks to everyone who tried to help! You all did great. If you aren't having any luck here, you may want to try whatisthatbook.com! It's free!

I just tried to follow your link, but it's slightly off. Here's the correct link...

http://www.whatsthatbook.com/

Neat site, thanks for sharing.