DARK SHAMAN AWAKENING
Fennecus, N. H.
iUniverse (434 pp.)
$33.95 hardcover, $23.95 paperback, $3.99 e-book
ISBN: 978-1475971996; February 26, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
Teen twins Laurel and Lynx find themselves transported to a different mystical universe to battle the Dark Shaman with powers they never knew they had and barely know how to use.
Fennecus’ debut fantasy novel skillfully melds mystical shamanism and a splash of sci-fi to create a riveting YA novel. While their mother travels on business, Laurel and Lynx are sent to stay with Uncle Zykes, whom neither of them likes. Their grandmother has also sent them on another mission: steal back the family treasure, a tablet, which Uncle Zykes has stolen. After stealing it back, they know they must leave immediately. On the run from their uncle, they begin to realize that the tablet may hold secrets, but before they know it, Laurel accidentally releases the tablet’s powers and disappears into another realm. Mr. Kalifa, a guardian shaman whom the twins met at their uncle’s, comes to rescue and guide Lynx away from the uncle and onto another planet in hopes of rescuing Laurel. Both Laurel and Lynx begin to understand their shamanic powers, but they must battle various evils and the Dark Shaman as they learn.
Fennecus nails the pacing in this story, which alternates between following Lynx and Laurel. The siblings fight and tease each other, but they also have fierce loyalty to one another. Though they believably pop off the page, some of the other characters seem like stock YA characters—especially Kaija, Lynx’s love interest, and Mr. Kalifa, their mentor and protector—but that doesn’t weigh the story down too much.
A satisfying YA fantasy with a promise of more to come.
– Kirkus Indie – A review service from Kirkus Reviews