Whisperings of Magic
by Karleen Bradford

Since Karleen Bradford's Dragonfire , Dahl has turned from a scared little boy into the beloved and just Ruler of Taun, a tranquil and prosperous land, while his precocious childhood chum Catryn has morphed into an unmatched mystic force.

Now, after three strained years apart, their destinies merge again in Whisperings of Magic . Unfortunately, though, there's no chance for idle banter or revelling in the moment. "Time has caught up with us, Dahl. Once again it seems we might have to battle," she laments.

The shadow of The Usurper, which they have united to vanquish before, lurks to the north, spreading monstrous havoc that's "horrible beyond description."

The fate of Taun rests in their hands alone, for the villagers are simpletons. With nonviolent boosts from Sele the Plump--a rotund, asexual being who provides both the stoic voice of reason and the comic relief--they're off to slay the vile beast.

Whisperings of Magic is a bewitching tale of bravery and betrayal, shapeshifters and zombies, in the fine fantasy tradition of the genre's master, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bradford is best known for her historical fiction for young adults, including her bestselling Crusades trilogy (the award-winning There Will Be Wolves , Shadows on a Sword , and Lionheart's Scribe ), but with Dragonfire and now Whisperings of Magic , she made the transition to fantasy with ease.

The detailed simplicity of her writing will easily spirit kids of all ages off to faraway lands through their mind's eye--just like Catryn, Seer of Taun, whose dormant telepathic powers are awakened by the Elders.

Fear not the shadow's darkness again, for it's a joy to watch Bradford shine her wizardly light, wielding words to save the day.

-- sigcino moyo

original publication: Amazon.ca