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Award-Winning Finalist in Youth Fantasy - Fun for young adults and adults!

The publishers (Windlass Young Adult Line) of the novel Rowan of the Wood have sent me a softcover version of the book to be published. My previous review (see Rowan of the Wood) was based on a preview galley and some changes have been made to make the story a little more complete. I am not going to reiterate the information I provided in the first review, but I will give some information on the version to be published.

Rowan of the Wood is written to be a trilogy, so everything that takes place in this young adult fantasy novel may not reveal all the details of the characters and events. There are some details that I cannot mention without providing a spoiler, but I will say that some of the power granted to certain characters becomes more clear and some of the healing that is bestowed upon a particular character has been given more definition and a satisfactory definition at that.

RotW is a relatively fast and easy read. Authors Ethan and Christine Rose develop a great character with both Rowan and Cullen, tying them together in a way that makes the reader care for both of the characters and what their future holds. They have also created a tortured and twisted foe who has suffered the hatred, fear and loathing of the Christian world throughout the ages. 

Before any readers begin a witchhunt, let me just say that the Roses aren’t bashing Christianity or asking readers to become a pagan. Their writing is actually historical and truthful in the manner in which wars, witch trials or something such as the Spanish Inquisition (which doesn’t take place here, but is an appropriate example) all in the name of religion. They are not preaching any dogma. My suggestion is to simply read the book as an entertaining piece of fantasy and lay all of your religious beliefs aside. Who knows what may happen by the end of book three.

Rowan of the Wood is due to hit the bookshelves on November 1, 2008. Odds are that the authors will also be selling the book at conventions throughout Texas, including the upcoming Wizard World Texas convention and other conventions throughout the South. The book has also been nominated as a finalist in the Young Adult Fiction category of National Best Books 2008 Awards,sponsored by USA Book News.

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