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Article: The-Wrekening---Book-Review
The Wrekening is the first book in the Ancient Mirrors Tales, followed by Dragon Queen (which will be released in March, 2007), Damselflies and Quondam. The first few pages are filled with interesting maps that were useful during my reading of the novel. The illustrations were really eye-catching, and I have to say, I was impressed with the quality of the cover – which is thick and strong.
Interestingly, the main character of this fantasy adventure is a strong yet fragile female warrior – Cwen of Aaradan, niece to the Queen. Abducted, raped and abused by enemies of the crown, she is perceived to have done evil by her family and because of this, Cwen experiences the ultimate perfidy. Her rebellion leads her to abandon her home and much of what she was taught to be, including the use of magic. Cwen’s journey through the haunting pain of her abuse, overcoming her unrelenting anger and becoming strong enough to find trust in her Self – is the main theme of the story. It is refreshing to see a young female character of such complexity portray someone who is so thoroughly misunderstood – and yet willingly becomes the heroic figure.
Cwen’s personal journey aside, the rest of the plot and characters used in this 428-page fantasy are certainly unique and just as powerful. Five friends (Cwen, Talin, Caen, Brengven and Klaed) are sent on an arduous quest to find crystal shards that are scattered throughout their world. Though created by the ancient and extinct Wyrms as a protection device, evil now threatens to use the shards against those who wish good for the world. The pressure is mounting as the war begins and many back home are losing their lives and their homes.
Each of the group relies on one another for their various abilities and knowledge. As well they all find strength, either within themselves or through strong friendships, in times of vulnerability.
The adventure is filled with strange creatures, and the unexpected awaits readers in every chapter. Gazelle-like animals that can change their coat into a cloaking device, trolls that live in underground mines, wizards of many shapes and sizes - including a feie, and dragons of every kind. I truly loved the experience of reading this book and it has earned a place on my bookshelf indefinitely.
The author, Jayel Gibson, was influenced early in life by her doting grandmother who entertained her with Celtic Folklore and Fairy Tales. The author’s passion for mythology along with Anglo-Saxon and Gaelic languages is certainly evident in The Wrekening. With the four books in the Ancient Mirrors Tales completed, Jayel has already begun work on her new fantasy series – The Scrolls of Ever’neath.
Author: Jayel Gibson
Publisher: Synergy Books
ISBN: 1-933538-30-3
~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)
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