Ellen Jensen Abbott

FROM AMAZON: Abisina is ready to assume the role of Keeper that has been her destiny, leading the future of the Watersmeet community. But the survival of the land depends on the north and south—the centaurs, dwarves, fairies, humans, and fauns—joining together to confront a gathering evil. The rift that opened in the Mountains Eternal has continued to spew forth terrible creatures: überwolves, leviathan-birds, minotaurs. Abisina knows that the most challenging creature of all has arrived—though what shape it will take is still a mystery. She sets out to bring the folk together to confront this unknown evil, but the land has never been more divided. As she faces hostile centaurs, ambitious fairies, the destruction of the only home she’s ever known, and separation from those who love her, Abisina doubts if she has the strength to be the leader that everyone needs. Even the power of the Keeper’s necklace doesn’t seem to be enough—and when that is taken from her, she’s left on the brink of hopelessness. Can Abisina’s faith in the power of love, acceptance, and unity that she’s learned from her friends and family survive this final test?… (mehr)

In the village of Vranille, where perfection is a requirement, Abisina is an outcast. When Charach comes to Vranille, Abisina must flee from her village to keep her life. She embarks on a dangerous journey over the mountains to find Watersmeet and, potentially, her father. To survive the journey, she must overcome years of fear and prejudice and learn to accept help from others.

Toward the end of the book, it seems as though the author is trying to tie everything up quickly to make the story work in as few pages as possible. This book could easily have been five hundred pages. There are several aspects of the story that simply cannot be rushed without appearing unrealistic or leaving the reader unsatisfied in some way. There were also a couple of times that I felt the writing a bit too juvenile for the intended audience and other times I felt the writing was too advanced for the intended audience. It just wasn’t uniform.

These are, however, fairly minor objections in comparison with the story as a whole. Watersmeet is very imaginative and unique. There are many lessons to be taken from it. While it wasn't an "I couldn't put this book down" experience, it was a good read. I recommend it to anyone who loves Quest Fantasy or High/Epic Fantasy.… (mehr)

In this sequel to Watersmeet, Abisina must fight to unite the North and the South in the aftermath of the war against Charach. Watersmeet's supplies are exhausted due to refugees flooding in from the South and the surviving villages in the South are in the same situation. It's up to Abisina to help them all.

I was skeptical at first, because I thought Watersmeet was a decent stand-alone book. However, I actually liked The Centaur's Daughter better. This book deals more with the depth of the characters and their attempts to overcome generations of prejudice. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and anyone looking for a great allegory.… (mehr)