Unique Mesoamerican fantasy with fascinating world-building
The Lost Dreamer is the first book in a new YA fantasy series that is based on the mythology and culture of Mesoamerica. The story is told through the points of view of two young women, Indir and Saya, both born with the spiritual gift of being able to enter the Dream.
Indir lives in the Temple of Night in the structured city of Alcanzeh, surrounded by her family of Dreamers. She has been trained and supported in the use of her gift. A dangerous new leader forces her to leave her family, comfort zone and city. Saya has led a nomadic, tense, uncertain life, untrained and used for her gift. Her life also changes and moves toward an unknown destination.
The writing is vibrant, beautiful and immersive. The world building is lush, spiritual, multi-layered and fascinating. The novel is filled with interesting, diverse characters and peoples. Themes are coming-of-age, tradition, womens' power, patriarchal oppression and change.
I really loved this unique fantasy story and setting and how the characters' lives intersect. It would have helped to have a character index and a map detailing this beautiful world. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Indir lives in the Temple of Night in the structured city of Alcanzeh, surrounded by her family of Dreamers. She has been trained and supported in the use of her gift. A dangerous new leader forces her to leave her family, comfort zone and city. Saya has led a nomadic, tense, uncertain life, untrained and used for her gift. Her life also changes and moves toward an unknown destination.
The writing is vibrant, beautiful and immersive. The world building is lush, spiritual, multi-layered and fascinating. The novel is filled with interesting, diverse characters and peoples. Themes are coming-of-age, tradition, womens' power, patriarchal oppression and change.
I really loved this unique fantasy story and setting and how the characters' lives intersect. It would have helped to have a character index and a map detailing this beautiful world. I'm looking forward to the sequel.