The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

Given all of the changes in the 25 years since of the publication of THE CELESTINE PROPHECY by James Redfield, I am curious to reread this novel and see if it still has the appeal that made it a New York Times bestseller for over three years during the early 1990s. In the latest edition, Redfield writes about “this more awakened state that fuels the current exploration of spiritual consciousness…. Why are we here? Where are we going?” 

For those unfamiliar with THE CELESTINE PROPHECY, a male narrator learns about a Manuscript filled with Insights that are meant to contribute to a transformation for the world (not unlike much earlier shifts from total belief in God or gods to more reliance on Science and then to pursuit of economic goals). The search for the Manuscript takes this character through an adventure in Peru where he gradually learns the Insights despite opposition from the church and government. Redfield has encouraged readers to “pursue this journey with heart …. read and interpret the little hunches and intuitions that put us in just the right position to experience synchronicity” or coincidences that have personal meaning. I wonder if the pervasiveness of technology (with our often disconnectedness and less opportunity for reflection) and/or the changing demographics (like an aging population with more life experience) will lead to a different reaction to this story.  What do you think?

Whisper of the Tide by Sarah Tolcser

WHISPER OF THE TIDE by Sarah Tolcser should definitely be on your “to read” list this summer. I really liked the first book (Song of the Current) in this series and eagerly anticipated a return to the fantasy world of Caro Oresteia and Markos Andela. Once again, Caro is a strong female protagonist, protecting Markos from assassination as he tries to regain his rightful throne. WHISPER OF THE TIDE is full of adventure – pirates, treasure, and magic – as well as humor, romance and difficult choices. How will Caro choose between a life with Markos and a destiny related to the sea goddess? 

Tolcser’s work encompasses politics, family relationships and plenty of cliffhangers so it has wide appeal, including to anyone who enjoyed the Jack Sparrow character in the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Enjoy!

Young Adult Fantasy titles

I have been meaning to read and review these Young Adult Fantasy titles for a while. Spring break has finally given me a chance to spend some time with them, the first two of which are shelved in the Junior High fiction section at the local public library.

LAST STAR BURNING by Caitlin Sangster (Oct. 2017; Simon Pulse; SLJ: Grade 6 up) received a starred review from Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.  This dystopian fantasy novel tells the story of Sevvy, a young girl who has been demoted from the Firsts to the lower caste Fourths and must undergo re-education because of her mother’s treasonous actions.  Sevvy eventually joins forces with Howl (surprisingly, the Chairman’s son) in an exciting, action-packed survival story.  Interestingly, Sangster bases her story in part on her time in China and alludes to the Cultural Revolution. Readers will eagerly anticipate Shatter the Suns, book two in this trilogy, which is projected to be available later this year.  

TESS OF THE ROAD by award-winning Rachel Hartman (Feb. 27; Random House; SLJ: Grade 9 up) is a long (536 pages!) saga, but will certainly be appreciated by fans of Hartman’s earlier work, Seraphina and Shadow Scale, set in that Southlands world. Here, Tess (half-sister to Seraphina) disguises herself and takes to the road after drunkenly punching her other sister’s bridegroom. Tess’s journey is both physical – doing manual work, pretending to be a priest, and searching for a serpent -- and spiritual; contrasting current adventures with previous traumatic events as readers learn of her past rape.  TESS OF THE ROAD is a gripping tale with an important message and received starred review from Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and Kirkus.

DEVILS & THIEVES by Jennifer Rush (Oct., 2017; Little Brown; SLJ: Grade 8 up) is filled with plenty of magic – most characters have their own special traits and world building explanations are necessary. Many are members or affiliated with competing motorcycle gangs in a “kindled world” that exists alongside humans and doesn’t deal in money – it deals in power. Jemmie is a strong female character who is attracted to Crowe Medici, brother of her friend Alex and leader of the Black Devils. Once Alex is kidnapped, adventures really begin and secrets abound as Jemmie (often muting her sensitivity to magic with alcohol) and Crowe attempt to rescue her.  DEVILS & THIEVES is the first in a planned series which I would describe it as a not very demanding, relatively fast read; Booklist gave a starred review to this twist on urban fantasy.