Reviews

There's a wall around the small nation-state, there's darkness and danger without, and there's economic and political turmoil within. Alexa dreams of going beyond the wall, for what reason exactly, it's unclear, but probably because that's just what all teen fantasy leads do. Her inquisitive nature and exploring tendencies around the castle drop her into an adventure of intimidating proportions.

Alexa's father, a ruler of the area, works with other leaders to regain control when an ancient founder passes. But the incident sets into motion a secret plot that's about to wreak havoc in their midst. The library provides a cozy retreat for Alexa, and also a hidden doorway into a quest, one that she's inexplicably drawn into. Talking animals and creepy enemies, lovable friends and a busy father, glowing stones and tiny men--all come together into confusing, arduous, scary journeys and a prophecy.

You will be the one to discover the serpent.

Despite being written from a girl's first-person POV, the author is a man so maybe that's why there's practically no emotion written in. But nevertheless, it's an intriguing fantasy quest. With the father predictably missing as he's busy with governmental affairs or suspected and lied to by his daughter. A catchy mystery ends up somewhat of a downer culminating in the bad guy's soliloquy and overly violent attempted murder of our protagonist. The Creator God of that world is only just introduced, but promised more of. The friends Alexa makes are lovable. The lesson of watchfulness in all areas is an important one. I'd read through the other books in the series.