Beth Ball

Alternate world created with many varieties of beings from werewolves to elves to druids to, well, many more. Ball writes well and develops her characters carefully. The multiple lines of the plot head off in various directions while facing the global threat of evil. I am somewhat underwhelmed, as it seems to glorify and extoll magical abilities such that whatever is necessary will eventually come to the protagonist and allies through training and coming into harmony with the natural world. Ball writes well enough, but this philosophical direction palls on me. The world seems awash in wishful thinking for control so that the individuals strive to fulfill their own wishes. Some of course, are evil and fully self-centered. Others are "just wanting to be free"...and yet that is often enough (I believe it is actually always) negative too, even when well-intentioned.… (mehr)