Synopsis
Her tribe is shattered. Her parents are gone.
When eight-year-old Samara faces the capture of her tribe, an unimaginable power awakens within her. Even as this magic threatens to consume her, a disembodied voice intervenes, offering guidance and helping her control these newfound abilities.
Meanwhile, Samara’s father chases his wife’s captors across an unfamiliar terrain. But can Orin find his wife in time to save her? Will Samara learn to control her power and reunite with her family? And who is the mysterious entity traveling with her?
Overview
My rating:
Published: Expected August 28th 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic
Length: Kindle 414 pages.
My Thoughts
I had no idea what I was expecting when I began reading this book but I did enjoy the book.
Overall, I thought the book began well. The beginning was face paced, intense and it gets the reader hooked quickly. I thought the middle bit of the book was not as face paced and for me, at times, felt repetitive with Samara destroying.
Throughout the book the fathers story and Samara’s stories are told. There was a lot of build up and I found myself routing for Samara and her father. I was a little bit disappointed that the meeting of the two stories was so brief at the end.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this novel in return for a honest review. This in no way has affected my review of the book.
WARNING: The following pros and cons may contain spoilers.
The Pros
The Setting
The novel takes on a native American approach. There are a number of different tribes who all play their different roles. Each tribes seems to have its own version of a mage but the hunters who are less developed in their knowledge have their Shaman who possesses her own set of powers. I liked that we are taken on a journey with the hunters as they discover the mysterious thing with the name of ‘Magic’ and these alien beings with pointy ears called Elves.
The Shaman
For some reason the character I felt myself most connected to was the old grandmother. Her gentle nature and her wisdom is cleverly written. She does not play a large roll in the story but she is Samara’s guardian angel.
The Woes
The Pace
As mentioned in my initial thoughts, the beginning was well paced and and each chapter was filled with cliff hangers to keep you reading and wanting more. I think the middle of the story became repetitive. Samara would be manipulated by Illtud and she would leave a path of destruction before feeling guilty and remorseful. This made me become a bit diconnected at times.
Nearing the end of the story I became more engaged as I rooted for Orin to be reunited with Samara so I found the reunion a bit short lived and I think the final battle could have had a bigger role in the novel.
Overall
This is a good read and I would recommend the book to readers of fantasy or those who like native american plots.
Please leave your comments if you have read this book.
Wonderland Books 