Bawden constructs a vivid world which leaves both the characters and reader in wonder. In such a rich world, Bawden manages to balance several characters and gives them all a unique sense of personality and life. Family is clearly an important element in this story which is refreshing and separates it from a lot of other fantasy works where teenagers often venture by themselves without much considering their family bonds. I think this would suit younger readers because it is both enjoyable and easy to read and occasionally challenging with longer sentences and vocabulary choices.
Book InformationPages: 286
Published: November 2013
Series: Book 1
Good Reads SummaryHave you ever come across a vain, impetuous little creature called a Mandie, and had to quickly dodge one of her poisonous darts? Or, have you ever imagined having to sing to a fruit to get it to peel open? Perhaps you've bumped into freakishly large, blue men, called Dreads? Well, with all of that, along with evil Nymphs and blood thirsty Banelorgs - these are things you've only likely experienced if you've had a nice long visit to Lynniah.
Corrah's life suddenly and drastically changes with the unexpected and inexplicable death of her loving mother, Lillian. She and her two sisters, Gaela and Stormy, are suddenly thrust into the unknown and sent to live with their mysterious Aunt Rainee, who lives in the seemingly bewitched village, called Lynniah. Living in a house that their mother's family had occupied for hundreds of years, they find clues that begin to unlock the startling reality that they are all part of an important magical heritage. A heritage that has been kept secret to save them from a dark and powerful enemy. Corrah has to find a way to battle and balance the onslaughts of loss, young love, and learn to uncover the personal power she has hidden inside her to overcome overwhelming adversity.
My Review
Bawden constructs a vivid world which leaves both the characters and reader in wonder. In such a rich world, Bawden manages to balance several characters and gives them all a unique sense of personality and life. Family is clearly an important element in this story which is refreshing and separates it from a lot of other fantasy works where teenagers often venture by themselves without much considering their family bonds. I think this would suit younger readers because it is both enjoyable and easy to read and occasionally challenging with longer sentences and vocabulary choices.
While I usually attribute family patterns (such as similar appearances, jobs, personalities or powers) to laziness, I feel that Bawden didn’t rely too heavily on this. Yes, the protagonist looked like her mother, but that didn’t mean she was instantly the most powerful. Similarly, the fact that Stormy had some things in common with Rhiannon didn’t inevitably (and unreasonably) lead to her choosing the dark side. The use of patterns and comparisons help foreshadow in which direction the series may go, and I think younger readers will appreciate the links as showing the strength of family bonds.
One thing I certainly loved about this book was that family is such a crucial element to the storyline. Sibling rivalry, mistrust and miscommunication along with the theme of love and belonging are strongly present. I’m not sure if enough books for younger readers (and perhaps even older readers) really look at the importance of family and how integral to someone’s life it is. Bawden maps out the character’s family and, it may seem, the reason for their differences.
However, there are still many things that remain a mystery by the end of the book. The prologue, for example, is a short scene describing the final moments of the Corrah’s mother, but it leaves much unsaid. Even by the end of the book the truth of this murder is still unknown. New mysteries arise throughout the book, even in the final chapter! So I have no doubt that readers will be as compelled as I am to continue reading the series to find out the answers to all their questions.
Overall I thought this was a great book, though I thought Stormy’s later chapter felt rather skimmed over. I would have loved to see greater depth or even a few more chapters about her surroundings, escape, treatment while kidnapped and more character development for both her and those who aided her escape. In the same way, the notion of the ‘chosen one’ and the book of the elders felt brushed over and I didn’t really feel their gravity or importance to the plot.
I do believe that younger readers will really enjoy this book. It does feel very female dominated (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing!), but there is plenty of danger and action to engage male readers who may find they do not identifying with the three sisters and who may not be particularly interested in romance and safe magic in a fantasy world.
Praise for The Enchantress of Lynniah
"I loved this book! It had a bit of everything...fantasy, adventure, romance, intrigue, and really unique characters! I was immediately drawn in and it held my attention throughout the story. It's the type of book I could read over and over again. I highly recommend it if your looking for a fun read." ~Shelly on Goodreads
"This book was awesome! It stayed with me for days, I kept thinking about all the characters. I can't wait for the sequel!" ~Emma on Goodreads
Author A.L. BawdenA.L. Bawden was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a large family of artists. Her father is a renowned sculptor -(Dee Jay Bawden), and her mother was an ingenious crafter, interior decorator, and seamstress. She has siblings that are sculptors, photographers, painters, cake decorators, tattoo artists, film makers, and crafters. She and a couple of her sisters have also had a successful mural painting business in Utah, called Artistic Murals. Her other hobbies include, reading, sewing & designing costumes, making jewelry, crafting, wake-boarding, snow-boarding, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and running. She is a lover of fantasy fiction books and has enjoyed writing ever since she was a kid. She is the mother of three and is currently managing a couple of small online businesses
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