Author: Debbie Federici & Susan Vaught Trade Paperback, 293 pages
Publisher: Leweelyn
Publication date: Sept 2005
Age: Young Adult
List: US$8.95, C$11.95
ISBN: 0738708275 Price & More Info: Click Here
|
When I read L.O.S.T. last year, I was afraid it was going to end being a
"stand alone," but I hoped it might, somehow, develop into a series. Gods
know, we can use more fiction with an "occult" slant written by people who
have a feel for the topic. I am pleased to say that this series fulfills
that requirement.
The major disadvantage I had with the book was that I had let so much time
pass between reading the first volume in the series, and it took me a
couple of chapters to get back up to speed again. I would advise you to
take the time to re-read the first book before starting into this one if it
has been more than couple of months since you read it.
The world of L.O.S.T. (Live Oak Springs Township) straddles the mundane and
magickal worlds. To all outer appearances it is a small town in the desert.
It is also a contact point to many villages disconnected from the normal
time/space line and linked by the Path.
Jasmina (Jazz) Corey was Queen of the Witches before she died at the end of
L.O.S.T. and Brenden (Bren) had been thrust into the role of King of the
Witches (okay, it isn't in touch with reality, but it isn't supposed to be.
It's entertainment, not a teaching book).
Bren has been unaware for the past six months that it might be possible to
bring her back from the borderlands of The Summerland, but when he finds
out, he begins to make plans to rescue her. This alone is a major change
for him. He has been more noted for rushing into things and not thinking it
through before hand.
The pacing is crisp and the imagery is sharp. The characters and situations
are, even if slightly "out there," easy enough to relate to.
Unlike many of Llewellyn's fiction works, which are aimed at the younger
reader, this books (and the preceding volume) are aimed at the teenage
market.
There are some really unexpected twists in the plot-line, as well as some
things which anyone can see coming. It is pure escapism and I look forward
to the third book in the series - which is foreshadowed by the ending of
this novel.
Reviewed by Mike Gleason
|