Zahru lives a simple life as a whisperer (being able to communicate with animals) tending a stable with her father. She longs to travel and experience adventures and taste far away foods. Believing that her simple life is not enough for her and that her magic is not worthwhile. Her and her best friend Hen hatch a plan to smuggle Zahru onto a boat bound for the capital for the choosing of the competition for a dessert crossing who will choose the next Mistra/ruler. At the party Zahru hits a snag and gets wrapped up into a rivalry between the princes and ends up marked as the sacrifice for the crossing. What will Zahru do now that she is destined for more adventure then she thinks she can handle.
I love that the protagonist in this story is not only strong but kind. The premise that being kind to someone sticks with them far longer then any other action is a main take away from the books story. In this way it reminds me of an Aesop’s fable, where a lesson is learned in the end. In this story it almost seems like Zarhu can see the good in all people, even though it might be far hidden underneath the surface. Sometimes in life, instances make us forget that people are not perfect and that they may still not be pure evil but somewhere in between that can still be redeemed and shown kindness.
I was extremely interested in the story and devoured it as quickly as I could. I fell in love with the characters including the less then perfect ones. Seeing through Zahru’s eyes made me really develop relationships with all the teams. This made it awfully hard to root for one particular team to win, or to even be in possession of the sacrifice (Zahru).
The action that was developed in the story was very stimulating, I love when blows are traded, and the “hero” does not always come out unscathed. I do however wish that Zahru had a chance to let her talents/magic/brains shine a little bit more then the book allowed. I am hoping that maybe she becomes more instrumental in the sequel.
Much of the magical development in this book is remarkably interesting. I am excited to learn more about this world and see what new information is introduced in the next book. Did the knife that stabbed Zahru grant anyone extra magic? What happened to the Mistra and why is he dying? What will happen to Zahru’s family and will they find them? What new challenge will Zahru face and will Jet be there with her along the way?
All I can say is that I am Absolutely in love with this story! I am highly anticipating the sequel and I really hope that if a movie does eventually come (which I would highly enjoy) that it would not get screwed up like many books to movies do.
I love that the protagonist in this story is not only strong but kind. The premise that being kind to someone sticks with them far longer then any other action is a main take away from the books story. In this way it reminds me of an Aesop’s fable, where a lesson is learned in the end. In this story it almost seems like Zarhu can see the good in all people, even though it might be far hidden underneath the surface. Sometimes in life, instances make us forget that people are not perfect and that they may still not be pure evil but somewhere in between that can still be redeemed and shown kindness.
I was extremely interested in the story and devoured it as quickly as I could. I fell in love with the characters including the less then perfect ones. Seeing through Zahru’s eyes made me really develop relationships with all the teams. This made it awfully hard to root for one particular team to win, or to even be in possession of the sacrifice (Zahru).
The action that was developed in the story was very stimulating, I love when blows are traded, and the “hero” does not always come out unscathed. I do however wish that Zahru had a chance to let her talents/magic/brains shine a little bit more then the book allowed. I am hoping that maybe she becomes more instrumental in the sequel.
Much of the magical development in this book is remarkably interesting. I am excited to learn more about this world and see what new information is introduced in the next book. Did the knife that stabbed Zahru grant anyone extra magic? What happened to the Mistra and why is he dying? What will happen to Zahru’s family and will they find them? What new challenge will Zahru face and will Jet be there with her along the way?
All I can say is that I am Absolutely in love with this story! I am highly anticipating the sequel and I really hope that if a movie does eventually come (which I would highly enjoy) that it would not get screwed up like many books to movies do.