A black-caped rider kills Gwyn’s parents. After her loveless uncle takes her in, she discovers the rider has also targeted her and her brother. As they flee for their lives and enter a mysterious world of wizards and dragons. Gwyn suspects their father’s medallion is a key to their survival, and to defeating an evil that has spread throughout the land. When her younger brother, Martin, is kidnapped, Gwyn will stop at nothing to rescue him from the Black Wizard.
The Zenia Wood is a fast moving adventure fantasy with a hint of romance. Gwyn’s character as a heroine developed slowly but with a purpose. At times, the plot wavered, and the Christian worldview was somewhat veiled. However, the good versus evil and magic is typical of this genre. This one might be better for the younger readers.
Age Range: 11 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Illuminate YA, 2019
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