Reading level: ages 9-12

Every teenager struggles with self-discovery and the fears of an uncertain future. So it is with young Colman. For Colman, this story is a journey of self-discovery. A journey in which he learns the meaning of friendship, commitment, and his own special and unique attributes. As he faces the evil sorceress, Meroot,Colman must accept and use his unique powers. The very powers he fears. For Meroot, with the Gray Knight, put these fears to the test. Through this confrontation he discovers that his love, respect, and friendship for Wise Child outweigh his own inner fear and uncertainty, and in the process, he discovers his own bravery and courage.

Set in the medieval British Isles, this story takes Colman, Wise Child, and Juniper, back to Juniper’s homeland in Cornwall. Juniper, a doran with magical powers, finds her family home destroyed and the land and its people controlled by evil forces. With Colman and Wise Child, her young apprentice, she sets off to restore freedom to her homeland and return the throne to its rightful heir. But only through the combined magical powers of all three can they succeed.

This novel is Monica Furlong’s third in the series. Her smooth prose, excellent characterization, and sense of drama and suspense captures the reader. Quickly, the reader is drawn into Colman’s life and the challenges he faces as the story flows and suspense mounts. Her choice of action is carefully placed to enhance the readers involvement in the story. The exposition is excellent and leaves the reader with anticipation from one page to the next.

This is a fine example of heroic fantasy, a classic battle between the forces of good and evil, and an excellent conclusion to the trilogy. I found the book to be a fascinating read for young and the not so young alike. If there were but one point that I liked above the others, it would be Monica’s characterization of Colman’s self-discovery. Something we all can relate to.

— H. B. STARKEY, Member SCBWI