by Stephanie Ehmen
Stephanie and Vaughn find themselves living in a futuristic country that has been stripped of all freedoms, as we know them, their thoughts, actions and every aspect of their society controlled by those who govern. Their lives, and the lives of those around them are void of meaning and purpose. The government-sponsored church gives them no comfort, and the corrupt government "Keepers" watch their every move.
When Stephanie meets Vaughn, she sees something different in him. He dares to think! Together they defy the "system" as Vaughn encourages Stephanie to think deeply about herself, as well as about the world in which they live. Spending time together in their secret places, they explore the age-old questions of what Life and Love mean. They try desperately to hold onto the Goodness they discover within themselves, while at the same time they must fight off the dreams and visions of darkness.
Always lurking in the background, unbeknownst to them, are the one-eyed monsters, Master Grrragagag and his student underling, who use their orb to watch all past and present happenings. They discuss various ways of manipulating and controlling their human subjects in order to kill the glow of goodness within them. Hovering above them all are the wise King Mafferan and Queen Yinauqua, always watching, all-knowing.
A good book is one that you can't wait to get back to, and when you are finished, you wish there was more. This book is well written, with a well thought out plot. It is easy to read and yet deep enough that you find yourself reading it again in order to understand the full meaning and depth. Attention Harry Potter fans - here is a new series for you!
This book presents the ages old good vs. evil story in a new way. It is written by an author who has a great love for the kids he has met and come to know. It confronts the subjects that all teens, no matter their background, think about and discuss with each other. Drugs, alcohol, sex, feelings and emotions, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, the characters in the book explore in great depth and in such a way that all who read it can follow and understand. It doesn't matter if kids come from high income homes with religious upbringing, or from a life of poverty on the streets, they all think about these issues and must at some point work through them in their own minds, deciding for themselves what choices they make. Every teen, young adult, parents and those who work with kids in any way should read this book. Having a deeper understanding of what our youth face today is a must if we are going to guide our kids in the right direction. No one, no matter their Faith or Religion can put their head in the sand and assume that their kids will not face, think about, discuss and confront these very same issues. This book offers them a guide, with no "preaching", only the morals that we want out children to aspire to.
Review by
Stephanie Ehmen
author of
"Angels and Quilt Pieces...Our Journey with a Katrina Family"
http://www.eagleswingspublications.com
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