The Reckoning of Asphodel
by Celina A. Summers
Young Tamsen de Asphodel, in the opening sequences of this novel, witnesses the murder of her parents and the
destruction of all she holds dear at the hands of her uncle - an obviously powerful and cruel mage. When next the
reader meets Tamsen she is no longer a young child and is traveling with her foster family into the heart of the
Elvin realm - the stronghold of a people who have ample reason to distrust and despise Tamsen and all the rest
of humankind. But Tamsen is not only human she is also half-elf and, unbeknownst to her, royalty as well.
Thus begins what could possibly be but one in a sea of fantasy novels for young adults. What makes this tale
rise high on the tide, at least for this reader - an admitted fantasy purist - is two-fold. Most importantly,
Celina Summers maintains supreme control of an archetypal fantasy story structure while making the tale fresh
and engaging enough for even the most diehard fantasy reader. She weaves a tale that is both familiar and
unexpected; because she remains so true to the genre, readers can trust her to lead them to explore untried
paths in a familiar fantasy landscape. In addition, the author brings to life a fresh young female protagonist
who is strong, passionate, and unquestionably believable. Not once does Celina Summers take the easy and
predictable path and allow Tamsen to become a stock character. Rather, she continues to develop an exasperating,
exciting, and enchanting young woman whom the reader comes to love and champion.
The Reckoning of Asphodel is a book to delight both those who revel in fantasy and those who are new
to the genre. For the fantasy purist the book is a delightful new foray into already familiar territory - it
will not disappoint. For the fantasy novice it is combination of adventure, romance, combat, deception and
intrigue set in new landscape which all readers will anticipate returning to as Celina Summers continues the
saga of Asphodel. |
The Book |
Aspen Mountain Press |
August 11, 2007 |
e-book |
978-1-60168-038-9 |
Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy [Age Group: 14 - 21] |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Louanne Clayton Jacobs |
Reviewed 2008 |
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