In this season of gratitude and counting of blessings, I always am thankful for good books and the ability to read. Among my favorite books, I always find fantasy novels aplenty. I am grateful for the opportunity that the fantasy genre affords to use my imagination and follow characters that live in worlds that I can literally only find in my mind’s eye. November’s book reviews contain books that are both full of imagination and the kind of “reader’s mind candy” that one can only find in the pages of a fantasy novel. Enjoy!
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
Saphira, the magnificent dragon and her rider, Eragon are back in book three of the Inheritance series-fighting stronger than ever to defeat the armies and sorcerers of the evil king Galbatroix. While they have suffered some devastating setbacks, they are more skilled, stronger, and more determined than ever to find the secret to the undoing of Galbotroix and free the land from his evil tyranny. Saphira and Eragon find themselves torn between the many promises they have made to many masters, the most crucial of which is the allegiance they have to the Varden and the constant threat of the magically enslaved Murtagh and his dragon Thorn. While both Saphira and her rider are fiercely loyal to those they have sworn to protect and willing to fight until their last dying breath, Eragon does not find satisfaction in conquest or in war. A part of him will always long for the simple life and wonder how things might have been had he not continued down his current path in life.
Brisingr is not only a clever, fascinating continuation of the Inheritance series, but its brilliant descriptions, and captivating, woven plot make it one of the most satisfying novels I have read in a while. I picked this book up with great anticipation and I was not disappointed. Now if I can only stand to wait for Book Four.
As this book does contain some graphic war images and slight understated adult content, I recommend this book for mature teens. Bravo Christopher Paolini!!!
The Lost Queen by Trewin Jones
In this sequel to The Faerie Path , Anita or Tania (as she soon changes her name permanently to be) is still stuck between two worlds. She has vowed to travel back to the mortal world and search for her Faerie mother, Queen Titania, in hopes of saving the Faerie world. Edric, her true love and constant companion, has also crossed back to London to help Tania with the search. But as soon as Tania reunites with her mortal parents, she finds that the questions they have, as well as the restrictions they impose on her life, may not only stop her from finding the Queen, but make her relationship with Edric complicated. Coupled with the constant threat of being hunted by an evil Faerie maniac, Gabriel Drake and his minion riders, Tania’s life is anything but normal. A well-written, action-filled novel that speaks loudly of the tumultuous problems many teens face as they battle against the process of discovering who they really are and choosing who they want to become. I recommend this book for all teens.
Thornspell by Helen Lowe
A different twist on the well-know tale of Sleeping Beauty , this novel is written from the perspective of the Prince who must break the spell and free the Princess from her endless sleep. Prince Sigismund has known from the time he was young of the forbidden forest that borders his childhood home. He has heard stories of the mysteries contained in the woods and constantly wonders what lies within the dense, dark canopy of trees. One day, in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the world outside the castle walls, Sigismund has a chance encounter with a tantalizing, evil enchantress. While her effort to entice him to join in her evil plot is thwarted by a common servant girl, Sigismund suddenly finds his himself taken from the innocence of childhood to a world of magic, danger, visions and a pathway leading towards his ultimate destiny. Thornspell is interesting, intelligent, and full of surprises. This is a book that I also recommend for all teens.
Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
Bravo to Jessica Day George and the sequel to Dragon Slippers ! Dragon Flight is another fun, fresh story that is filled with adventure, conflict, excitement, and just enough romance to keep it interesting. Creel has established her successful dressmaking shop and business is booming in preparation for the wedding of the crown prince. While she is content and resigned to her station in life as a commoner, her heart still favors the younger prince, Luka. Creel wonders if he still cares for her the way she secretly cares for him, but puts all thoughts of him aside knowing that the king will never agree to the two of them being together. At about the same time, Creel is summoned by the king of the dragons Sharda who is also her dear friend. Soon it becomes evident that evil purposes are at work to enslave the dragons and start another war. Standing by her friends, both dragon and human alike, Creel joins the quest to unravel the wicked plot of the enemy and to save the kingdom…..again. I recommend this book to all teens, especially those who liked “Dragon Slippers”.
