Trail of the Dead (Killer of Enemies #2)

By Joseph Bruchac

    In this sequel to Killer of Enemies, Lozen and her family, on the run from the tyrants who once held them hostage, embark on a journey along a perilous trail once followed by her ancestors, where they meet friends and foes alike.

    Description

    In the sequel to the award-winning Killer of Enemies, Apache teen Lozen and her family are looking for a place of refuge from the despotic Ones who once held them captive and forced Lozen to hunt genetically engineered monsters.

    Lozen and her allies travel in search of a valley where she and her family once found refuge. But life is never easy in this post-apocalyptic world. When they finally reach the valley, they discover an unpleasant surprise awaiting them-and a merciless hunter following close behind.

    Hally, their enigmatic Bigfoot friend, points them to another destination-a possible refuge. But can Lozen trust Hally? Relying on her wits and the growing powers that warn her when enemies are near, Lozen fights internal sickness to lead her band of refugees to freedom and safety. Alongside family, new friends, and Hussein, the handsome young man whose life she saved, Lozen forges a path through a barren land where new recombinant monsters lurk and the secrets of this new world will reveal themselves to her … whether she wants them to or not.

    About the Creators

    Joseph Bruchac

    Joseph Bruchac, a citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, is the author of more than 100 books for children and teens, including multiple picture books published by Lee & Low Books, and the young adult Killer of Enemies trilogy, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. A Rockefeller Fellow and an NEA Poetry Writing Fellow, Bruchac has received numerous recognitions and awards over his long-standing career. In addition to writing, Bruchac is an editor at Greenfield Review Press, a literary publishing house he co-founded with his wife. He lives in Greenfield Center, New York. To find out more about him, visit josephbruchac.com.

    Reviews

    • "Between the action, a dreamlike, lore-filled backdrop emerges that informs the present day and increases both the emotional heft and the stakes of the action. Even more notable is that in this dystopian near future, the characters in this diverse cast haven't lost their ties to their cultures of origin. Instead they are infused with them, and use them to the benefit of the group."

      - Booklist
    • "The sardonic protagonist is as magnetic, the peril is as intense, and the invention is as fresh as ever as Bruchac develops his dystopian world in new and intriguing directions. Native American legends, including those about irascible trickster Coyote, enrich the tale while familiarizing readers with contexts such as the circumstances under which traditional tales are told and their continued resilience in the face of cultural erasure. . . Exhilarating."

      - The Horn Book
    • "This second act offering deeper characterization and resonant themes enriches an already compelling tale."

      - Kirkus Reviews
    • "Filled with tense moments of fending off creatures and battling inner demons, the dynamic story is filled with energy and emotion, but the writing feels rushed. Lozen's need for a healing ceremony will resonate with teens who have dealt with depression or trauma."

      - School Library Journal
    • "This post-apocalyptic YA story is an unforgettable sensory experience, steeped in Native American folklore. The potential for plot development is endless, opening hypothetical dramatic scenarios that will entertain faithful fans of this talented storyteller. With a strong feminist slant on womanhood, his admirable perception of his own protagonist—a gender-neutral quality often lacking in fiction—will draw sophisticated readers."

      - Foreword Reviews

    Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643797380
  • Publication Date Aug 06, 2024
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 1 lbs
  • Page Count 400
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620142615
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2015
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 1.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 400
  • Interests

  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Science Fiction / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • Themes Breaking Gender Barriers, Conflict resolution, Coping with Death, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Dystopia, Environment / Nature, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Friendship, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Siblings, Teen Interest, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 17
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z+
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 12
  • Lexile Level 870
  • Reading Level Grades 7 - 8
  • Bebop Reading Advanced
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 13
      Refugee Children’s Book Collection
      Collection of 13 books: $193.35

      Brothers in Hope

      Based on heartbreaking yet inspirational true events in the lives of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Brothers in Hope is a story of remarkable courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Trail of the Dead (Killer of Enemies #2)

      In this sequel to Killer of Enemies, Lozen and her family, on the run from the tyrants who once held them hostage, embark on a journey along a perilous trail once followed by her ancestors, where they meet friends and foes alike.

      Passage to Freedom

      The true story of Chiune Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler," who, with his family's encouragement, saved thousands of Jews in Lithuania during World War II.

      From North to South / Del Norte al Sur

      Bilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.

      A Song for Cambodia

      The true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian American musician and human rights activist, who as a young boy survived Khmer Rouge work camps by learning to play a musical instrument.

      Malala Yousafzai

      The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who has become an international activist for universal education, with beautiful collage illustrations by award-winning artist Susan L. Roth.

      Boy, Everywhere

      What turns citizens into refugees and then immigrants? In this powerful middle-grade debut, Sami and his family embark on a harrowing journey to save themselves from the Syrian civil war.

      When the Horses Ride By

      Through these graceful and eloquent poems, written from the child's perspective, readers will experience this resilience, this optimism, and understand that it is possible to get through difficult and unsettling times while holding onto one's hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful future. 

      Grandfather's Story Cloth

      Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease, but then Chersheng's mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

      Martí's Song for Freedom

      A bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty-abolishment of slavery, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence from colonialism for all Latinos. Written in verse with excerpts from Martí's seminal work, Versos sencillos.

      Calling the Water Drum

      A moving story about a family's attempt to flee Haiti in a boat, and a young boy who bravely learns to navigate a new world through playing his drum.

      The Three Lucys

      After a young Lebanese boy loses one of his beloved cats when his village comes under attack, he must learn to cope with loss and hope for a peaceful future.

      844 in stock

    • 31
      Young Adult Collection
      Collection of 31 books: $583.45

      Bowman's Store

      Bowman's Store gracefully weaves themes from Joseph Bruchac's intimate knowledge of Native American cultures with the scenes from the past that have shaped his life.

      Rogue Heart

      Warcross meets Final Fantasy in this companion novel to Rebel Seoul, in which a young telepath joins a rebel group on a secret mission to end a decades-long world war.

      The Sky We Shared

      In this thoughtful and deftly woven WWII novel, an American and Japanese teen with lives on opposite ends of the world discover that hate for an "enemy" leaves a heavy heart.

      Echoes of Grace

      In this triumphant new novel, Pura Belpré Award-winning author Guadalupe García McCall explores sisterhood, family secrets, intergenerational trauma, life, and love in a modern Gothic setting with a magical realist twist.

      That Summer Night on Frenchmen Street

      Set in magical New Orleans, two teens from vastly different worlds discover that sharing their strengths, including the love of their friends and family, may just be the path to finding wholeness within themselves.

      Boys of the Beast

      Three cousins. Four days. One car. This smart and fearless road-trip novel is perfect for fans of David Levithan, Benjamin Alire Saenz, or Meg Medina.

      Tankborn (Tankborn #1)

      Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered enslaved non-human (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and in the process find out what it means to be human.

      Cat Girl's Day Off

      In this hilarious YA homage to Ferris Bueller's Chicago, Natalie must use her Talent of talking to cats to solve a high-profile celebrity kidnapping.

      The Magnolia Sword

      Bestselling writer Sherry Thomas weaves an enthralling retelling of a story that has thrilled readers for centuries: the ballad of Mulan.

      All the Stars Denied

      In a companion novel to her critically acclaimed Shame the Stars, Pura Belpré Award Winner Guadalupe García McCall tackles the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

      Alicia Afterimage

      A story of remembrance as well as an exploration of teen grief and healing, recounting the life and death of the author's sixteen-year-old daughter, as told through her parents' and friends' recollections, thoughts, feelings, and memories. For YA and adults.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Shame the Stars (Shame the Stars #1)

      In the midst of racial conflict and at the edges of a war at the Texas-Mexico border in 1915, Joaquín and Dulceña attempt to maintain a secret romance in this young adult reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.

      Perfect Liars

      In this YA heist novel, a society girl with a sketchy past leads a crew of juvie kids in using their criminal skills for good.

      Under the Mesquite

      Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.

      Hammer of Witches

      In this YA historical fantasy, a teen from Spain finds himself aboard a ship sailing to the "New World" with Christopher Columbus.

      Killer of Enemies

      A post-Apocalyptic YA novel with a steampunk twist, based on an Apache legend.

      Vodník

      When Tomas moves with his family to Slovakia, the Slovakian creatures from his youth come to life.

      Wolf Mark

      Luke King, whose father is a black-ops infiltrator, uses the skills his father taught him to figure out his family's paranormal secret and save his kidnapped father and his own friends.

      Trail of the Dead (Killer of Enemies #2)

      In this sequel to Killer of Enemies, Lozen and her family, on the run from the tyrants who once held them hostage, embark on a journey along a perilous trail once followed by her ancestors, where they meet friends and foes alike.

      Rebellion (Tankborn #3)

      In a world where half the population is genetically engineered, what does it mean to be human? The acclaimed TANKBORN trilogy rushes to a thrilling conclusion with Rebellion!

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

      In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi's life is a mess--her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life--but writing helps, especially since it turns out she's pretty good at poetry.

      Thirty Talks Weird Love

      A 13-year-old girl growing up in Mexico is visited by her 30-year-old future self in this powerful YA novel in verse about handling depression.

      Black Was the Ink

      Through the help of a ghostly ancestor, sixteen-year-old Malcolm is sent on a journey through Reconstruction-era America to find his place in modern-day Black progress.

      Grand Theft Horse

      Yummy author G. Neri returns to graphic novels with the powerful story of his cousin Gail Ruffu, who stole a racehorse in order to save it, and ended up fighting the whole racing industry for the humane treatment of animals.

      I Am Alfonso Jones

      The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

      Summer of the Mariposas

      In this young adult retelling of The Odyssey, Odilia and her four sisters journey to Mexico to return a dead man to his family and encounter magical creatures along the way.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Ink and Ashes

      In this heart-pounding YA mystery, teenager Claire Takata stumbles on a secret from the past and must race to outrun her father's dangerous legacy.

      Drift

      Tenjat joins a dangerous defense to protect his island home from the monsters who threaten it in this fresh YA fantasy inspired by Mayan and Indian folklore.

      341 in stock

    • 107
      High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School
      Collection of 107 books: $1,637.70

      Ahimsa

      In this historical middle-grade novel, Gandhi asks for one member of each family to join the fight for independence from the British, and when Anjali's mother is jailed for doing so, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work.

      All the Stars Denied

      In a companion novel to her critically acclaimed Shame the Stars, Pura Belpré Award Winner Guadalupe García McCall tackles the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!

      Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

      The Penderwicks meets In the Heights in this sparkling middle-grade debut about a young Dominican American girl in New York City.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      Bird

      In this gentle, award-winning picture book, an African American boy nicknamed Bird uses drawing as a creative outlet as he struggles to make sense of his grandfather's death and his brother's drug addiction.

      Boy, Everywhere

      What turns citizens into refugees and then immigrants? In this powerful middle-grade debut, Sami and his family embark on a harrowing journey to save themselves from the Syrian civil war.

      Brothers in Hope

      Based on heartbreaking yet inspirational true events in the lives of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Brothers in Hope is a story of remarkable courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.

      Butterfly for a King

      The fascinating true story of a beautiful native Hawaiian butterfly, a great Hawaiian warrior king, and current-day efforts by scientists and citizens to restore the butterfly's declining population.

      Capoeira

      A photo-essay about the history and practice of Capoeira, a centuries-old Brazilian martial art incorporating traditional movements and rhythmic music, that is popular today as an energetic game played throughout the United States and around the world.

      Cat Girl's Day Off

      In this hilarious YA homage to Ferris Bueller's Chicago, Natalie must use her Talent of talking to cats to solve a high-profile celebrity kidnapping.

      Chess Rumble

      A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.

      Crossing Bok Chitto

      In this American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning story of cross-cultural friendship, a family of enslaved people and a Choctaw tribe work together on a daring escape.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Dream Builder

      You've seen the building. Now meet the man whose life went into it.

      Drift

      Tenjat joins a dangerous defense to protect his island home from the monsters who threaten it in this fresh YA fantasy inspired by Mayan and Indian folklore.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      Everglades Forever

      A photo-essay about the Florida Everglades, its unique ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to restore this "Wetland of International Importance," told within the framework of a class study project and visit to the Everglades.

      Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

      In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi's life is a mess--her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life--but writing helps, especially since it turns out she's pretty good at poetry.

      Game, Set, Match Champion Arthur Ashe

      A picture book biography of tennis player Arthur Ashe, who began his career playing tennis as a child on the segregated courts as a child in Virginia and went on to become the top tennis player in the world.

      Grand Theft Horse

      Yummy author G. Neri returns to graphic novels with the powerful story of his cousin Gail Ruffu, who stole a racehorse in order to save it, and ended up fighting the whole racing industry for the humane treatment of animals.

      Hammering for Freedom

      The inspirational story of William "Bill" Lewis, a hardworking blacksmith who slowly saved his money and bought the freedom of each and every member of his enslaved family.

      Honda

      The life story of Soichiro Honda, pioneering Japanese businessman and innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer.

      Honoring Our Ancestors

      Through stories, art, and photographs, Honoring Our Ancestors will inspire children and their families to gain strength from the past as they ask themselves, "Who do I honor?"

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      I Am Alfonso Jones

      The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      I Remember

      An outstanding celebration of diversity and family: fourteen poets and sixteen illustrators of diverse backgrounds share memorable childhood experiences and reflect upon their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.

      I See the Rhythm

      i see the rhythmis an inspiring celebration of African American music and the far-reaching impact it has had on the world.

      In Her Hands

      A recreation of events from the childhood and early career of Augusta Savage, a pioneering female sculptor and major figure of the Harlem Renaissance.