Zarena [Kindle Edition]

While a bit light on action, the concepts and writing are good enough for 4 stars. Spoiler alert below.
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SPOILERS***

As the first book in a series, Zarena has a lot of weight on its shoulders. It needs to set up a highly complex universe with lots of races, some human, most fantastical. And these inhabitants of the universe (it's multi-planet) are sometimes direct analogies to familiar stories. The creation story is the basis. The whole Seraphym Wars concept is right out of Milton. Laud is the god who creates the seraphym. One of those right-hand angels decides to revolt and the schism between good and evil persists through centuries.

Another familiar aspect out of fantasy lore is the concept of a Chosen One. In this case, Zarena is destined or prophecized to lead a group of children called the Vigorios against what we assume are the bad guys (the fallen angels). This is a big surprise for 14-year old Zarena when she wakes up in a monastery-like building run by the Conscientas. They're Laud's advisors and the beings that will equip Zarena to lead this children's war.

Essentially, this is all that happens in this first book. Like I said, there's an a lot of background here and without it, the reader could easily be lost in the many strange names for the various seraphym and other minions of both sides of the battle.

The weakness in this first book for me is that not much happens other than Zarena learning the tools of the quest thrust upon her. All of this is well-written and kept me reading, but I was a bit let down at the end by not at least hitting the road to find the other Vigorios (recognized by the aura they give off). We get to meet only one demon/alien and it doesn't do much other than try to pry information from the unsuspecting girl.

I just KNOW that the books to follow will provide the satisfying confrontations and difficulties. There just wasn't enough meat in this book.

In Ms. Russell's "Odessa" (a YA version) we are in the same world as Zarena, but focusing on an older girl who is also to lead the Vigorios. So, I'm a little confused whether these two forks in the Seraphym road should be read together or kept separate. I will say in defense of the series that Ms. Russell is an excellent writer and has come up with a complex fantasy world. No qualms about that. I definitely want to know what happens next to both Zarena and Odessa. I'd love to see an explanation of the interaction of the two series, if there is actually meant to be one. I'll have to nose around Rebecca's websites and blogs to learn more.

Reviewed by Valerie
Review copy provided by author

Here's the newest series by Rebecca Russell, intended for middle grades (5-8). I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it but was pulled into Zarena's world from the very beginning!

When she wakes up in the home of the Conscientia, she's confused. Where is she? Why her? Why now? From the very first time she pulls open the door and we see the world she has entered, the descriptions are vivid and take you there. When Zarena's questions start being answered by various mentors, you begin to realize that she is on a quest that will include other kid warriors she has yet to meet. Throughout most of this story, she is being prepared to fulfill her destiny and learning the skills she will need to be successful. Zarena's mentors all have special skills and play important roles in teaching her from the unusual librarian to the highly skilled defense master. The world that Russell has created is fascinating and I still feel like if I close my eyes I can be there with Zarena. It's such a tranquil place. Yet, evil lurks in this place of peace, in the form of a friend. Lonely and trying to find her way, Zarena befriends a mermaid that isn't all that she seems.

At this time, the author is preparing a glossary/listing of all the characters for her website/webpage, as well as creating a timeline so as readers read the book they can refer to it. I look forward to reading about Zarena's journey as she finds the other warriors and defends good in the epic battle of good vs. evil!

At fourteen, waking up in a strange place and hearing voices in your head can be more than a little nerve-wracking. But for Zarena, it's the beginning of a whole new life. One in which she finds herself in a new world, training to become the leader of a child army called the Vigorios. Zarena comes to care for the Conscientia, the holy order that takes her in and teaches her everything she needs to know. But danger is closer than she realizes. The demons she will need to fight are already closing in on her and in a way she'd never guess on her own.

Readers will instantly find themselves cheering Zarena on in her new role. Her training and experiences are described in a way that places the reader in the story. I'm usually leery of books with unusual names and places because it can be difficult to keep the details straight. But I had no trouble with this book because I was swept right into the story. I learned about the Revrum Natura right alongside Zarena.

This is a fun story for any middle grade reader, and it sets up what will surely be an exciting series.