L.K. Below

The concept of this book actually kind of interesting to me. When you think about it every religion has a person that is living that is super important to people who follow the religion, but normally that person is aware of the important role that they play. But in Lori's religion/organization, the Spenta Michos is completely unaware of the people protecting and serving him. It's a little bit unorthodox and kind of a cool concept so I went with it.

This is definitely a book that doesn't have a slow beginning. It starts off right as the action is about to pick up. The Spenta Michos is missing, and Lori is shocked, and more importantly highly motivated to get him back. Only when she attends the first meeting to discuss his new missing status it seems like not a whole lot is being done to organize the search to find him, so of course she does what any self-respecting girl does and looks to find him on her own.

There are some interesting characters along the way that Lori has to deal with. The first one you really get introduced to is Heaven, who I could totally picture from the bits and pieces the author gives you as she pops up along the way. She's kind of that annoying girl with a ridiculous name, who kind of things the sun rises and falls with her and her alone. I love characters I'm suppose to hate, and I didn't like her right off the bat. It actually made me identify with Lori, because listening to Lori's inner monologue made me think to myself, wow I would be thinking the exact same thing if I were her.

From the beginning of the book you get the feeling that Lori is special, like she is different from everyone else. It turns out she is, she gets visions. Only unfortunately someone else seems to think Lori is special, and seems to be after her, and not in the good way. More like the I can't wait until I kill you kind of way. I liked the story from Lori's point of view. She is easy to identify with, easy to like, and easy to follow.

If I had one complaint about the book it would be that it felt a bit to rushed. I think that the author could do a lot more with the material if it wasn't so rushed. The bones of the book are solid, I wish the author would have just taken some more time to flesh everything out more. Other than that I think it was a really solid book, and one I enjoyed reading. It's a quick read, and I think anyone who likes Urban Fantasy will enjoy it.… (mehr)

Gunnar is sent by his people to ask for assistance from the Navuclur, a tribe of beings believed to be stoic and uncaring. He doesn’t know what to expect from the mysterious creatures, but without a trade agreement, Gunnar’s people will starve through the winter. Soon after he meets the Rhuala (the leader) an earthquake hits the Navuclur capital and he fears his plans will crumble like the collapsing city structures.

Gunnar doesn’t understand the Navuclur or their customs. He is confused by how they react unexpectedly and seemingly fail to have emotions. After a short time, he examines his own beliefs and behaviors, leading to surprising results.

I believe there is a little bit of Gunnar in all of us. We sometimes allow pre-conceived judgments or stereotypes to obstruct the truth.

This is a unique and moving speculative fiction story. I enjoyed it very much.

Kudos to the author for dedicating this tale to the victims of the 3/11 Sendai earthquake, and giving all proceeds to the Red Cross Foundation.… (mehr)