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Indigo Springs

by A. M. Dellamonica

     

I found Indigo Springs to be alternately confusing and intriguing at the outset. However, it sets into a soothing rhythm soon enough... until it shocks the reader again and again.

This is the debut novel for author A. M. Dellamonica, with a sequel on the way.  The book centers on Astrid Lethewood, who is in Government custody and being questioned by negotiation specialist Will Forest.  Astrid tells the story of how her life changed after her father died and she inherited his house.  A house beset by a blue (Indigo Blue) stream that flows under the property and when it rises, "enchantments" affect everyday household objects to make them magical.

Astrid’s friend Sahara, and Astrid’s step-brother, Jackson, are also swayed by the force of the magic.  Saraha uses it to wage war on the Government, and Jackson wants to use it for his own betterment.  Astrid has a very loose grasp on reality left as she relates how the vitagua, or magic liquid, has changed her.

This is a most interesting and unique book.  It was a bit hard for me to understand what exactly was happening at the beginning, but I persisted and found that I really did enjoy the book, and in fact, look forward to the sequel.  There were questions left unresolved for me, and I do hope that the author will tie up loose ends in the next book.

For anyone who likes an unusual book, tales of magic, growth and family secrets, this one is for you.  The author is finding her voice here and is well on her way to success.  This is a good read and I do think it would particularly appeal to young adults.  It is very much worth the price of the book and of your time to follow A. M. Dellamonica from the beginning of her career.  Enjoy!

The Book

Tom Doherty Associates / Macmillan
November 2009
Paperback
978-0-7653-1947-0
Fantasy / Magical realism
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Violence, not graphic
Tangential deaf character (uses a hearing aid)

The Reviewer

Laura Hinds
Reviewed 2010
NOTE: Reviewer Laura Hinds is an experienced freelance writer whose first novel, "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?", just came out in 2009.
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