I
have been following Jillian Boehme for several years on her blog, Miss
Snark’s First Victim. She created this blog for fellow writers who are
seeking publication and a community in which to share ideas, writing samples,
frustrations and victories. Agents and editors followed her blog as she
spearheaded several contests. Pairings and success stories followed. She
remained anonymous as a fellow seeker until last year when she finally got an
agent and then a book contract. I and so many other fans were thrilled for her.
It’s as if we actually know her. Her first published, YA fantasy novel, Stormrise
was published this fall. Although this blog is a little late, I read
Stormrise in December and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Boehme
tells the story of a young girl, Rain, taught exceptional fighting skills by
her father, a Neshu master of the form. Although this is forbidden for females,
she excels. When a war in her kingdom threatens her family, she risks
everything, including death, to join in the fight. She uses Dragon magic to
disguise herself as a boy. This
same Dragon magic has unforeseen side-effects which shape the destiny of the
kingdom and Rain’s future.
There is everything to enchant the reader, from
unique world-building, breath-taking adventure, well-drawn characters, magic
potions and friendship to a strong, capable heroine.We
need more heroines like this in literature to help all our daughters see an
unlimited future which is not defined by gender. Kudos to Boehme.
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