To Face The Rising Sun (The Or'dara Chronicles) (U)

With her mother missing, and her father disabled with a strange illness, thirteen year old Ariena struggles to work after school and keep up with her studies. When someone tries to kidnap her, and she suddenly finds herself developing extraordinary powers, Ariena believes she's on the brink of madness. Her life plunges into turmoil. Feeling alone and frightened, Ariena has to decide if she can trust the one grown up she'd once been afraid of...the mysterious wanderer, Mr. Cee. In what feels like her darkest hour, Ariena is told she's an alien being called a Keu, that her planet is dying, and she alone has the power to save her people. As Ariena seeks a way to open one of the ancient portals to a new world, she learns that others are determined to stop her, at any cost...including killing her. In a race against time, and with the help of some unusual friends, Ariena works to develop the powers she'll need to save her world, and protect herself against those determined to stop her. Alone, in the battle for her life, Ariena must believe in herself. Only then will she discover that true strength comes from the heart.